Trenton Municipal Utilities recently received the latest round of official drinking water test results from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
TMU reports the results from samples collected in late July and early August show nine of the 40 sample Tier One locations were above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 15 parts per billion for lead in the drinking water. The remaining 31 samples were below the action level.
TMU notes Tier One locations are known to have lead service lines and are at a higher probability for the potential release of lead into the drinking water.
During the prior test period, four of the 40 sample locations were above the EPA’s action level. Results from that test period were returned in April. TMU reports all tested locations have been notified of the results.
City Administrator and Utility Director Ron Urton says it is not unusual to see test results vary from one testing period to another. He hopes to see levels come down in the next six to 12 months as a treatment process to be implemented in November starts to impact lead service lines located on private properties.
TMU is in the process of cleaning the distribution system to prepare for the introduction of the treatment process. The process will assist in establishing additional protections from lead entering the water at residences with lead service lines. This may temporarily change the color, taste, and smell coming from the tap.
TMU encourages customers to review tips to be included with their upcoming bill to learn how they can reduce their risk of exposure to lead. Questions and concerns should be directed to the water quality hotline at 660-234-9172.
