News Release 037

GEOLOGISTS INVESTIGATE SOURCE OF
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY PROBLEM IN BOONE COUNTY

Volume 36-037

Contact: Hylan Beydler

(For immediate release)

573-368-2118

ROLLA, MO, JAN. 24, 2008 – Geologists with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Water Science Center, are investigating the presence of naturally occurring radioactive contaminants known as radionuclides in east-central Boone County. 

Boone County Public Water Supply District No. 9 is one of 19 public water-supply systems in Missouri that exceeds maximum contaminant levels at one of its wells.  Water from this well slightly exceeds the new standards for gross alpha particle activity and for combined radium-226 and radium-228.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that people who drink water containing more than the standard allows over a lifetime may have a slightly increased risk of developing cancer. Bathing and showering in water that contains radionuclides at these levels is not a health concern.  

The study, funded by the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch, USGS and the water supply district, was developed to aid the water supply system to develop a permanent, cost-effective solution for bringing the system into compliance. Department and federal investigators seek to determine why one particular well produces higher levels of certain radionuclides than other similarly constructed wells in the area. The study is designed to identify if specific portions of the well or rock units are the source of the radionuclides. The potential for restricting groundwater production from those zones will be explored. Additionally, several nearby deep wells will be sampled to better determine the geochemical characteristics of the groundwater aquifer in the area.  

Work has begun and is expected to take about four weeks, over a two-month time period.  “Well #3 has been taken out of service while this study is under way. We do not expect this to adversely impact our customers,” said Roger Ballew, Boone County Water Supply District No. 9 manager. The district must bring the well into compliance by Dec. 31. 

Of the small percentage of drinking water systems in Missouri with radioactive contaminant levels high enough to be of concern, the radioactivity is naturally occurring. All of the affected public water supply systems in Missouri rely on groundwater for their supply and fall in a particular pattern within the state. For this reason, it is believed that the occurrences of elevated radionuclides are related to natural geologic or geochemical factors. 

"Once we gain a better understanding of the geology of the area, our hope is that the radiogenic groundwater can be isolated from production,”said Mimi Garstang, state geologist and director of the Division of Geology and Land Survey. “Ideally, the well can be modified without significantly diminishing output so that treatment of the water can be avoided or minimized.” Garstang added, "We have a long history of applying knowledge of the state’s geology and hydrology to help solve problems. This is another example where we can apply our expertise and investigative methods to interpret the geology of the area and assist in protecting the public health and safety.”

The Department of Natural Resources has assisted several water systems in the state by studying their radionuclide problems. “We are excited about the possibility of helping water systems solve their radionuclide problem at the source so that they do not have to install costly treatment,” said Steve Sturgess, chief of the department's Public Drinking Water Branch. “If successful, this will translate into a significant cost savings for the water systems and their customers.”

"The district is committed to providing our customers drinking water that is safe, regardless of treatment method,” Ballew added. “However, if we can accomplish this without costly treatment, we satisfy one of our secondary goals: to provide drinking water in the most cost-effective manner possible. We are excited about the possibility that this study will show we can avoid costly treatment.” District officials developed engineering plans for the construction of a treatment process, if needed. The department’s Public Drinking Water Branch is currently reviewing these plans. 

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

###