Attorney General's News Release

July 29, 2005

AG Nixon sues Osage Beach water company for numerous violations of state water laws at two subdivisions

Camdenton, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon has sued an Osage Beach water company for multiple violations of Missouri's drinking water and clean water laws at two lake-area subdivisions.

According to the petition filed in Camden County Circuit Court, Osage Water Co., which operates the water supply system for the Cimarron Bay Subdivision, violated state drinking water regulations by failing to:

• Submit a sample for a lead and copper analysis that was due June 30, 2005.
• Submit samples for lead and copper analysis from January through June 2002.
• Obtain a permit to dispense water.
• Submit a sample for bacteriological analysis in March 2003.
• Develop and deliver to customers a Consumer Confidence Report in 2001 or 2002.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources inspectors issued a notice of violation against Osage Water on Aug. 6, 2004, and the company has not corrected the violations.

Nixon said the company violated clean water regulations by allowing untreated water to bypass its KK Treatment Plant, which serves the Eagle Woods subdivision, in February 2004. Osage Water also violated clean water regulations in June 2005 by allowing untreated water to bypass the plant and flow into the Lake of the Ozarks. Inspectors from the Department of Natural Resources issued notices of violation in both of these cases, and Osage Water failed to resolve the issue.

"Osage Water needs to fix these violations immediately to ensure the safety of residents in the Osage Beach area," Nixon said. "There is no excuse for compromising the safety of Missouri's water supply."

Nixon's lawsuit asks the court to order Osage Water to pay penalties for the violations, correct the violations and comply with state drinking water and clean water regulations, which are created and enforced by the Missouri Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water commissions. Nixon's office represents the commissions and the Department of Natural Resources in this case.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818