DNR vows to enforce water well reports

SPRINGFIELD — The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will start enforcing water well reporting after a newspaper probe found numerous instances of missing reports or reports that were clearly inaccurate, the agency’s chief said.

During a speech last week in Springfield, DNR Director Mark Templeton acknowledged there has been only “partial compliance” among major water users in the state.

“We need greater compliance,” Templeton said. “We are going to be referring people over for enforcement — people who have not been reporting to us.”

Water users with wells that can pump 100,000 gallons or more a day are supposed to turn in reports annually to the department detailing how much water they used. The information helps determine how the wells are affecting groundwater levels.

Owners of six wells in Pettis County have failed to report their water usage, according to a report from DNR. The Sedalia Water Department was among those well owners who didn’t submit a report for 2008. Water Department Manager Charles Brosch said it was the first time a report was missed because the department never received the form from DNR.

“They are supposed to send us information every year,” Brosch said.

Water department workers keep records at the plant, and have since submitted the report late. A spokesman with DNR said the forms are available online.

A Springfield News-Leader review of Greene County well reporting data from 2001-07 showed dozens of missing reports from some of the 70 major water users.

“I agree we need to get the information so the community can undertake the kind of planning it needs and make appropriate use of this resource,” Templeton said, acknowledging the newspaper’s findings.

Although the agency has no ability to fine major water users that don’t file timely reports, it can refer a non-reporting well operator to the Missouri attorney general’s office.

But the department has never sought help from the attorney general’s office, which can seek an injunction to stop the well operator from pumping water until well reports are brought into compliance.

“This could easily be an opportunity to work with stakeholders and do a better job of reporting,” Templeton said.
He said the agency needs to double-check the accuracy of its records before moving ahead with enforcement.

Also, he said, work needs to be done to make sure well operators understand the reporting requirements.

—Democrat reporter Sarah Nail contributed to this report.