The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is giving 13 water suppliers more than $90,000 to deal with abandoned drinking wells.
The money is to be used to find and plug the wells. Abandoned wells that are not plugged can be a danger to public health by allowing contaminants to enter drinking water aquifers. State officials estimate there could up to 500,000 abandoned and unplugged wells across the state.
Money for the grants comes through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Receiving the grants are Branson West, Branson West Notch, Willard, Windsor, Caruthersville, West Sullivan, Miner and Public Water Supply District No. 2 of St. Charles County. Missouri American Water is receiving grants for its Warrensburg, St. Joseph, Mexico, Brunswick and Joplin districts.