Flemington, Missouri – The state Department of Natural Resources issued a boil water order for all customers of the village water system after laboratory tests identified the presence of E. coli bacteria in two samples taken from the distribution network.
Testing results and immediate response
While the well itself tested clear, two samples collected farther downstream returned positive results for total coliform and E. coli. “The one from the well came back safe. … The two in distribution came back total coliform positive and E. coli positive,” said Kristen Doran, drinking‑water section chief for the department’s Southwest Regional Office.
Because the contamination was found in the lines that deliver water to homes, the department ordered that all village water be boiled for three to five minutes before drinking or cooking. The order applies to every household and business that receives water from the Flemington system.
Possible source of contamination
Doran explained that construction activity or a backflow event could have introduced bacteria into the lines, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. The village also reported a small amount of hydrogen sulfide, which can cause an odor, but Doran clarified that the boil order is solely for the E. coli issue, not the sulfide smell.
Steps toward lifting the order
The department has loaned Flemington equipment for temporary chlorination of the system. After treatment, the water must produce clear test results on two consecutive days. “Then we’ll have them collect three samples in distribution on two consecutive days to show that the water is free from bacteria. And if they can do that … then we can lift the boil water order,” Doran said.
She estimates the entire process – treatment, testing, and verification – could take a couple of weeks.
Village assistance to residents
Flemington clerk Cherie Jensen, the village’s sole employee, is coordinating distribution of bottled water and reaching out to affected households. She noted that many phone numbers on the village’s contact list were outdated or belonged to non‑residents, making outreach challenging.
“We tried calling everybody, and we found out that we have a lot of wrong numbers. … Probably half the people that we called either didn’t live in Flemington … or it was just a wrong number,” Jensen said.
Jensen also emphasized the personal impact, saying she herself uses the village water and feels the hardship of the situation. “My heart goes out to everybody that’s on the water system … they’re at a real disadvantage,” she added.
What residents need to do
Until the order is lifted, residents should continue to boil water for at least three minutes before drinking, cooking, or making baby formula. Bottled water remains available at the village office for those who need it.
For updates on the status of the water system, residents can contact the Department of Natural Resources or check the village’s official communications channels.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
