By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Investigators have found high levels of lead contamination in 36 drinking wells in Washington County, Mo.
The wells only serve about 135 people in and around the towns of Potosi, Cadet and Mineral Point. But some wells had levels of lead that are six times the acceptable level.
Investigators are recommending users of the contaminated wells stop drinking and cooking with the well water.
The investigation was done by the state Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It's part of a wider look at lead contamination in southern Missouri.
The contaminated wells contained lead levels above 15 parts per billion, the maximum allowable level. Some had levels as high as 90 parts per billion.