Copyright © 2003-2009
Polk County Health Center
Bolivar, Missouri.
All rights reserved.

PCHC Disclaimer Statement

Lab Services - Water Quality

To maintain our high quality of life and beautiful environment in a time of rapid growth, we must properly manage urban storm water runoff. Prevention is the best cure. In the Ozarks, many streams have already been damaged by the urban runoff. It is critical that we plan new development to minimize the negative effects.

Storm water Runoff

Storm water runoff can contain sediment from erosion of soil; phosphorus and nitrogen from fertilizers, grass clippings and leaves; bacteria from animal waste; and many other pollutants such as petroleum products or metals from automobiles and industrial activity. Storm water runoff does not go to a treatment facility. The big-deal about nutrient runoff is that excess fertilizer runs off the urban lawn and finds its way into the streams, lakes, creeks, etc., fertilizing the algae in the waterways causing overgrowth. When this overgrowth occurs, it reduces the amount of available oxygen for fish and aquatic life, resulting in death. To help cut down on runoff in your lawn, direct water flow through grassy or mulched areas. The idea is to keep the water from running off down the driveway into the storm drain.

Plant trees

Trees are an important part of any home landscape. They offer needed shade and beauty. They also can catch and slow rainfall, reducing the amount of runoff and allowing more infiltration to groundwater. When planting trees, don't overlook the value of mulch around the tree base. Mulch provides weed control, cooling of the soil, moisture retention, and protection from the weed eater.

Rain Gardens and Barrels

Rain gardens can absorb 30% more water than the same size area of lawn. Catching water in a rain garden allows it to slowly filter into the ground. This means less rainwater is lost into our storm sewers which also mean there is less flooding and erosion in our streams. What a beautiful way to help. For more information on how to build and landscape your Rain Garden visit www.marc.org/water.

Rain barrels can be used to collect and hold rainwater, which can later be used to water your flowers, trees, or vegetable garden. Did you know that 30-60% of urban fresh water is used for watering lawns? A rain barrel can hold the water until you are ready to use it, cutting down the waste of our natural supply.

For more information visit

• www.arborday.org,
• www.watershedcommittee.org,
• www.springfieldmo.gov/community/smyn,
• www.dnr.state.mo.us,
• www.mdc.mo.gov

If you are interested in the effects of storm water runoff in the Bolivar area, please contact the Bolivar Community Watershed Improvement Group (BCWIG) to see how you can help.

What does this mean to you?

We all pay for property damages resulting from floods. We could all get sick from contaminated drinking water or from swimming in bacteria-laden streams. Toxic chemicals in runoff can build up in our food chain, including game fish.

Water quality testing

Polk County Health Center provides fresh water testing for all Polk County residents at the cost of $10.00 per test. If residents have private wells, they may obtain a test kit with instructions from the Health Department. Once the water is received from the individual, testing is performed to isolate bacterial organisms that may be hazardous to the drinking water. After 48 hours, results are posted and mailed to the individuals. If there are problems with the sample, instructions on how to treat the well are sent to the homeowner. If you have any questions, or wish to obtain a test kit, please contact us at 417-326-7250