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Missouri's water quality is impacted by a variety of factors, including agriculture, mining, and urban areas. Nonpoint source pollution, arising from multiple sources like agricultural practices, urban stormwater runoff, and construction, is the greatest threat to Missouri's waters. This type of pollution introduces harmful levels of bacteria, sediment, nitrate, phosphorus, and other contaminants. Additionally, Missouri's waters face challenges from point source pollution, such as industrial waste and mine drainage, which can lead to high concentrations of heavy metals and other toxins. Water pollution in Missouri also originates from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which produce significant amounts of waste and air pollutants, including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The state's Clean Water Law and regulations aim to address these issues, but the presence of contaminants in drinking water remains a concern for residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pollution | Point source and nonpoint source pollution |
| Point source pollution description | Pollution that can be traced back to a single source |
| Nonpoint source pollution description | Pollution that cannot be traced back to a single source and comes from multiple sources |
| Sources of nonpoint source pollution | Urban stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, construction activities, ineffective septic systems, atmospheric deposition, hydrologic modification, agricultural land, urban areas, abandoned mines |
| Pollutants caused by nonpoint source pollution | Bacteria, sediment, nitrate, phosphorus, chloride, and other pollutants |
| Impact of nonpoint source pollution | Impairs the receiving water's designated uses, negatively impacts drinking water supplies, recreational uses, wildlife and aquatic habitat, causes excessive algal growth and odors |
| Water bodies affected by nonpoint source pollution | Missouri's larger rivers, including the Missouri River |
| Pollutants in drinking water | Arsenic, nitrates, chloroform, atrazine, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids |
| Health risks associated with drinking water pollutants | Increased risk of cancer and harm to fetal growth |
| Other sources of pollution | Industrial waste discharges, mine drainage, agricultural land use, mining activities, animal production, active and past mining, soil erosion, row-crop agriculture, urban areas |
| Specific pollutants | Nutrients, bacteria, chloride, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, manganese, total dissolved solids, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide |
| Impact of pollution | Degraded water quality that is harmful to humans, aquatic life, and the surrounding environment |
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What You'll Learn
Nitrates, arsenic, and other chemicals in drinking water
Missouri's water quality is influenced by a range of factors, including agriculture, mining, and urbanisation. While the state has implemented regulations to control pollution, water contaminants remain a significant issue. One of the biggest concerns is the presence of nitrates, arsenic, and other chemicals in drinking water.
Nitrates are a common contaminant in Missouri's drinking water, often seeping into water systems from fertilizer runoff in agricultural areas. High nitrate levels are usually attributed to human activities, but they can also occur naturally in groundwater. Consuming excessive amounts of nitrates is particularly dangerous for infants, as it can lead to "blue baby" syndrome, a condition that disrupts oxygen flow in the blood. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), nitrates were found above their recommended guidelines in 543 out of 1,432 water utilities serving Missourians. However, only a handful of these exceeded the legal limit.
Arsenic is another significant contaminant in Missouri's drinking water. It occurs naturally in the state's environment and was once used as a pesticide in older fruit orchards. Arsenic has been detected in St. Louis's drinking water at 0.435 micrograms per liter, which is below the legal limit of 10 micrograms but above the EWG's recommended limit of 0.004 micrograms per liter.
Other chemicals found in Missouri's drinking water include chloroform, atrazine, trihalomethanes, and haloacetic acids. These chemicals are byproducts of drinking water treatment processes and agricultural activities. While they may be present within legal limits, the EWG and other organisations consider them unsafe for human health.
The presence of these contaminants in drinking water highlights the potential risks to human health, even when providers meet federal drinking water requirements. Missouri's Clean Water Law and regulations include water quality standards, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources actively studies, monitors, and regulates water pollutants. However, the discrepancy between legal limits and safe levels underscores the need for stricter standards and improved water treatment processes to protect public health.
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Nonpoint source pollution from agricultural land
Nonpoint source pollution is any pollution that cannot be traced back to a single source or point, such as a pipe. In Missouri, significant sources of nonpoint source pollution include agricultural land, urban areas, and abandoned mines.
Agricultural activities have been identified as the most likely source of water impairment in rivers and streams in the US Midwest, including Missouri. The primary pollutants from agricultural practices are excessive inputs of nutrients through commercial fertilizer and manure, runoff from pesticides and herbicides, and increased turbidity due to soil erosion. The most problematic nutrients are phosphorus and nitrogen, which are often carried into streams through overland flow during rainfall events.
In Missouri, the Lower Grand River Watershed, located in north-central Missouri and south-central Iowa, has been the subject of a statistical assessment of nonpoint source pollution in agricultural watersheds. The primary land use in this watershed is agricultural, with about 48% used for pasture or hay, 27% for cultivated crops (primarily corn, soybeans, and wheat), 13% forest, and 5% urban. The study found that the average application rates of agricultural chemicals, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, in this watershed have approximately doubled over the last four decades. As a result, the rivers and streams in the study area have been impaired by high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen, high total suspended soils, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination.
Agricultural conservation practices, such as contour strip cropping, can help reduce erosion and runoff. Additionally, the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) has been launched to reduce the runoff of agriculture-related nutrients, sediment, and pathogens in small high-priority watersheds in each state. This initiative focuses on implementing on-farm conservation systems to avoid, trap, and control runoff, with funding from various programs, including the Clean Water Act Section 319 Program.
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Industrial waste and mine drainage
Water pollution occurs when a substance enters a water body and degrades the water's quality, causing harm to humans, aquatic life, or the surrounding environment. In Missouri, one of the biggest water pollutants is industrial waste and mine drainage, which can contaminate water sources with high levels of heavy metals and other toxins.
Missouri has a diverse geology and land use, with a mix of glaciated and unglaciated prairies, as well as forested and pastureland areas. The state also has a long history of mining, particularly in the Old Lead Belt region, which has resulted in soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment contaminated with heavy metals. Industrial activities and waste discharges can also contribute to water pollution, with certain types of mine drainage and industrial waste containing high levels of heavy metals that can be toxic to fish, wildlife, and humans if present in sufficient quantities.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been working to address these issues through monitoring, regulation, and cleanup efforts. Long-term monitoring of larger rivers has shown that while soil erosion control programs have improved water clarity in some rivers, animal production and active and past mining are causing minor water quality declines in others.
The EPA has designated several Superfund sites in Missouri, including the Big River Mine Tailings National Priorities List (NPL) Superfund Site, which covers about 110 square miles and includes eight large areas of mine waste. Other Superfund sites include the Washington County Lead District in Richwoods, the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt NPL site, and the Newton County Mine Tailings NPL site. These sites often require remedial and removal actions, including soil removal and replacement, groundwater monitoring, and land use restrictions to address contamination and protect human health and the environment.
To regulate and mitigate the impact of industrial waste and mine drainage on Missouri's waters, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has implemented various measures. These include permitting requirements for specific industries and activities, such as mining, land application of wastewater, and construction near water bodies. The department also studies, monitors, and regulates common and emerging water pollutants, such as nutrients, bacteria, chloride, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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CAFOs and their waste
Missouri's water quality is influenced by a variety of factors, with nonpoint source pollution being the greatest threat. This includes agricultural land, urban areas, and abandoned mines, all contributing to the presence of bacteria, sediments, nitrates, and other pollutants in the water.
Among the sources of pollution in Missouri's waters, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) or factory farms stand out as a significant contributor. CAFOs are a modern form of animal agriculture, where thousands of animals are confined to barns, generating substantial amounts of waste. The waste from CAFOs is typically transferred to large pools called lagoons and then applied to adjacent farmland or exported for land application.
The large volume of waste produced by CAFOs poses a significant threat to Missouri's waters. Data analysis by SRAP revealed that CAFOs in Missouri experienced an average of 28 waste spills per year, amounting to over 300,000 gallons of waste annually. These spills have detrimental effects on rural communities, polluting waterways and causing an unpleasant smell.
Smithfield Foods, a major pork producer with 11 CAFOs in Missouri, has a history of spills and clean water violations. Despite this, they are seeking less stringent state regulation, which has caused concern among environmental groups and citizens. The Missouri legislature's decision to prevent lawsuits over the loss of enjoyment of property due to CAFOs further highlights the influence of corporate interests in policymaking.
The impact of CAFOs extends beyond water pollution. The confined conditions in CAFOs facilitate the rapid spread of sickness among animals, posing threats to public health, animal health, and the well-being of workers. Additionally, the high concentration of animals in CAFOs can lead to significant groundwater contamination, as noted in the DNR's report.
To address the issues associated with CAFOs, local governments and communities have advocated for stricter regulations and the reinstatement of local control over CAFO operations. However, the influence of corporate interests has resulted in weaker state regulations and limited the ability of counties to enforce protections for their citizens.
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High dissolved oxygen levels
Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen present in water. Fish and other aquatic life require oxygen to breathe, just as humans do. While oxygen is essential for life, high levels of dissolved oxygen can be harmful. Missouri's larger streams show the greatest dissolved oxygen depression during runoff events, indicating that nonpoint pollution sources are a significant concern.
Nonpoint source pollution is typically traced to multiple sources within a watershed, such as urban stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, construction activities, or ineffective septic systems. In Missouri, significant sources of nonpoint source pollution include agricultural land, urban areas, and abandoned mines. These sources contribute to high dissolved oxygen levels in various ways. For example, urban stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as oils, grease, and chemicals into waterways, increasing the dissolved oxygen levels. Agricultural practices, such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides, can also lead to high dissolved oxygen levels as these chemicals can increase the oxygen demand in the water.
Additionally, construction activities can disturb the natural flow of waterways, impacting oxygen levels. Ineffective septic systems can release excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into the water, promoting algae growth and increasing oxygen demand. High dissolved oxygen levels can have negative consequences for aquatic life. As the oxygen levels increase, the water's ability to hold oxygen decreases, leading to a potential lack of oxygen for fish and other aquatic organisms. This can result in fish kills and disruptions to the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Furthermore, high dissolved oxygen levels can contribute to the corrosion of underwater structures and equipment. As oxygen levels fluctuate, the rate of corrosion can vary, leading to unpredictable damage. This can impact infrastructure, such as pipes and dams, as well as equipment used in aquatic activities or research. High dissolved oxygen levels can also affect the taste and odour of drinking water. While not a direct health concern, it can be aesthetically unpleasing and cause concern among residents.
To address the issue of high dissolved oxygen levels in Missouri's waters, several measures can be implemented. Firstly, implementing better stormwater management practices can help reduce the impact of urban runoff. This includes constructing wetlands and utilizing permeable pavements to filter and slow down stormwater, reducing the concentration of pollutants reaching waterways. Secondly, promoting best management practices in agriculture can minimize the impact of agricultural activities. This includes implementing buffer zones along waterways, using cover crops to reduce soil erosion, and adopting precision farming techniques to optimize fertilizer application, reducing nutrient runoff into waterways.
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Frequently asked questions
Nonpoint source pollution is the greatest threat to Missouri waters. This type of pollution comes from multiple sources within a watershed, such as agricultural land, urban areas, and abandoned mines.
Some examples of nonpoint source pollution include urban stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, construction activities, and ineffective septic systems.
Nonpoint source pollution contributes large amounts of bacteria, sediment, nitrate, and phosphorus to Missouri waters. These pollutants can impair the designated uses of the receiving water and negatively impact drinking water supplies, recreational activities, wildlife, and aquatic habitats.
The sources of nonpoint source pollution in Missouri include agricultural practices involving fertilizer, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), and urban areas.
While most nonpoint sources of pollution are not formally regulated, certain activities require permits from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These activities include stormwater management, specific industries like biodiesel manufacturing, and certain land use practices such as clay mining and underground petroleum storage.
