MoDNR: Follow-up sampling shows no change in Fredericktown-area drinking water after Critical Minerals Recovery fire
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 4, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the city of Fredericktown and Madison County Public Water Supply District #1, has confirmed through follow-up sampling that the area’s drinking water quality remains consistent with what the two systems had reported before the Critical Minerals Recovery fire.
On Nov.11, MoDNR collected drinking water samples from the Fredericktown and Madison County Public Water District #1 systems. Samples were tested for lithium, a primary component of lithium-ion batteries and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can be found in fire-fighting foams
Test results showed that lithium was not detected above reporting limits in any of the water samples. PFAS was not detected above reporting limits in the Fredericktown samples. PFAS was detected above reporting limits for one of the Madison County PWSD #1 wells, but this concentration remains consistent with monitoring conducted at that well in 2022. Sample results indicate that the fire and fire-fighting efforts have not caused additional impacts to either drinking water system.
MoDNR will continue monitoring these water systems and will inform the public of any changes. MoDNR will work closely with the water systems to ensure customers are aware of any precautions they should take to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Additionally, MoDNR is assisting Madison County PWSD #1 in evaluating potential grant opportunities to fund a study that will explore long-term solutions for reducing exposure to PFAS from the impacted well.
The public can access additional sampling results and water quality data through MoDNR’s Drinking Water Watch website, which provides current drinking water analysis results for department-regulated public water systems.