Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) officials say Leadwood’s wastewater treatment facility is beginning to show progress following repairs to its failing treatment system, although E. coli levels in the Big River remain elevated.

Preliminary samples collected Aug. 10 showed E. coli concentrations at the facility’s outfall of 1,732.9 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters (CFU/100 mL), down from more than 2,419.6 CFU/100 mL in earlier sampling. Results at other monitoring locations ranged from 73.8 to 150 CFU/100 mL.

The city is installing a replacement pump to move sludge and solids from the plant’s clarifier to its sludge holding basin. MoDNR said the pump is expected to improve treatment efficiency and further reduce E. coli levels in treated effluent discharged to the Big River.

Until the plant can meet its permitted effluent limits, MoDNR is advising people to avoid contact with the Big River from the Leadwood Access to Owl Creek Park and to keep pets and livestock away from the water.

The department continues weekly site visits and water quality monitoring while working with Leadwood to identify funding for immediate repairs and long-term upgrades, including construction of a new treatment facility.