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Mountain Grove staff warn of Oct. 16 lead-and-copper inventory deadline; lift‑station alarm upgrades proposed
Summary
City staff told the council the statewide inventory of lead and copper lines must be completed by Oct. 16 and described a proposal to add cellular alarm/SCADA monitoring to lift stations, starting with two critical stations because the full seven‑station system would cost roughly $140,000.
City staff told the Mountain Grove City Council on Sept. 9 that the state requires a complete inventory of lead and copper service lines by Oct. 16 and that the city will have to notify homeowners and submit the list to the Department of Natural Resources afterward.
"We have to have it all complete by October 16," the city staff presenter said, describing work to map lines, check house ages and record service‑line materials before sending the list to DNR and notifying homeowners of any lead service lines discovered.
Council also discussed a capital proposal to add cellular alarm/SCADA monitoring to the city’s seven lift stations to provide instant alerts when pumps fail or wet wells approach overflow. Staff described one vendor’s installation cost at about $19,750 per lift station, with an estimated total near $140,000 for all seven stations; the recommendation was to start with two critical sites and phase in the remainder.
"These will let us know instantly," a wastewater operator said of the alarm system, noting early alerts reduce the chance of spills and give crews time to respond before an overflow.
Council members discussed funding options, the possibility of seeking grant money or bond financing for larger upgrades, and the need to prioritize the two highest‑risk stations for the coming budget year. Staff said they will return with more detailed cost estimates and proposed budget adjustments at the next meeting.
Why it matters: The lead‑and‑copper inventory is a state mandate with homeowner notification requirements; failure to comply can expose the city to regulatory penalties. Lift‑station alarms are preventive investments that could avoid costly spills, but the upfront capital cost is significant and will require budget decisions.
