JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A state report released Thursday says that 95 percent of Missouri consumers received water free of contaminants in 2002.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources said the state has continued to meet or exceed the federal goal of 95 percent compliance since the goal was established in 1994.

The Annual Compliance Report of Missouri Public Drinking Water Systems is required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and reviews the activities at Missouri's 2,803 public water systems.

"We expect a lot from our water systems and require testing for more than 100 different regulated chemical, radiological and microbiological contaminants during the year," said Steve Mahfood, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "A system is to be applauded for performing all required testing and meeting all required standards."

The majority of violations found by the state involved failure to meet monitoring requirements of the Total Coliform Rule. Total coliform bacteria serve as an indicator that disease-causing organisms may be present.

All public water systems in Missouri must test for this type of bacteria every month they dispense water to the public.

The department said that in most cases, non-compliance is a short-term situation because steps are taken once a violation is identified, and most supplies quickly return to the required levels.

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On the Net:

Department of Natural Resources: http://www.dnr.state.mo.us