Missouri drownings prompt warnings to be careful in water

EUREKA, Mo. (AP) – Officials are urging people to take steps to prevent drownings as the arrival of hot weather and the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic means bigger crowds at Missouri waterways.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that at least 10 people have drowned so far this month in Missouri, and six others died in boating accidents. None of the 16 victims wore a life jacket. Across Missouri, at least 39 people have either drowned or died in boating accidents so far in 2021, including at least seven children.

Several public safety officials gathered Monday in the St. Louis suburb of Eureka for a news conference urging caution on the water.

Carterville under boil advisory as crews work on broken water main

CARTEVILLE, Mo. –  The City of Carterville, Missouri has been put under a boil advisory as crews work to fix a water main break. Webb City is providing backup water in the meantime.

Officials say a large 6″ break happened around 10:00 p.m. Monday at Pine and Main street. The break left the whole city without water. Crews say the well seal and bearings went out, and believe the failure was caused by high demand on the well pump over the past two days. The city will have to install a new pump.

Carterville returned to Webb City water, but due to a lack of pressure the city will need to use a booster pump to bring enough water into the system.

Wednesday morning the Carterville issued a boil order. It will be passing out free cases of water to residents at the Carterville Community Center. There is currently a two case per household limit.