The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published December 24, 2025

Eldon issues boil order for residents

ELDON – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has issued a Boil Water Order for the Eldon Public Water System after water samples tested positive for E. coli bacteria, indicating a potential acute health risk.

A routine water sample collected on December 16, 2025 from the Eldon distribution system tested positive for total coliform and E. coli.

As required under the Revised Total Coliform Rule and Ground Water Rule, repeat samples were collected at and near the original sampling location and from source water nearest to the well. One of the repeat samples in a separate location collected on December 17, 2025, also tested positive for total coliform bacteria.

The original violation location did not test positive.

As a result, the Eldon Public Water System has exceeded the E. coli Maximum Contaminant Level for December 2025, in violation of Missouri Safe Drinking Water Regulation. This violation has triggered a Level 2 Assessment and resulted in the issuance of Notice of Violation CF026007.

Until further notice, all residents and businesses must boil water for at least three minutes before drinking, brushing teeth or preparing food. Bottled water may be used as an alternative.

This order remains in effect until additional testing confirms the water is safe.

The city of Eldon is working closely with DNR and will provide updates as soon as they are available.

The city issued guidelines to residents on the water system and those are below.

Under authority granted by Section 640.130 RSMo, MDNR issued the Boil Water Order effective December 18, 2025.

What Residents and Businesses Must Do Immediately

Until further notice, all customers of the Eldon Public Water System must take the following precautions:

• Boil water vigorously for three (3) minutes before using it for:

- Drinking
             - Brushing teeth
             - Food preparation
             - Diluting beverages

• Allow boiled water to cool sufficiently before drinking.
• If boiling water is not possible, use bottled water or another approved alternative water source.
• Do NOT use ice from automatic ice makers or any ice made with unboiled tap water.
• Discard existing ice and remake ice using boiled water or purchase ice.
• Disinfect dishes and food-contact surfaces by immersing them for at least one minute in clean tap water containing one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Bathing and showering do not generally require boiling water but:

            - Children should be supervised to prevent ingestion
           - Individuals with cuts, wounds, or severe rashes should consult a physician

Health Information
E coil bacteria may indicate contamination from human or animal waste. Short-term health effects can include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms.
Infants, young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems may face a greater risk and should seek guidance from their health care providers.
General information on reducing the risk of waterborne illness is available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Duration of the Boil Water Order
The Boil Water Order will remain in effect until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe to drink and MDNR officially lifts the order. Residents will be notified promptly when the order is rescinded.

Additional Information & Contact
For questions related to the water system, residents may contact
City of Eldon — Water Utilities at 573-392-2291

As of press time (Monday) the boil order had not been lifted.

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