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$214,000 Grant to Mason City, Iowa, for Drinking Water Improvements

Release Date: 12/15/2011
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, (913) 551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov (news media only)

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 15, 2011) - EPA has awarded $214,000 to Mason City, Iowa, for drinking water improvements. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2012.

EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks said, “Enhancing the safety of drinking water systems is an important step in providing safe drinking water to the residents of Mason City. This grant will partially fund the construction project which is estimated to cost $500,000.”

The project includes the installation of a generator, which will allow plant operators to more accurately control the chlorine level in the distribution system. The new generator will reduce accidental exposure and potential harm to water department personnel associated with current chemical drum delivery, storage and handling.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality and public health. The Safe Drinking Water Act protects human health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. The responsibility for ensuring safe drinking water is shared by EPA, states, tribes, water systems, and the public.