YELLOW SHEET Office of the State Auditor of Missouri Claire McCaskill

Report No. 2004-42

May 27, 2004

State parks are exceptionally well maintained.  However, better controls over testing of drinking water and better oversight of revenue generating operations are needed

Our office conducted an audit of the Division of State Parks Management within the Department of Natural Resources in order to determine if visitors were provided with quality service and facilities, and whether water and other resources provided met established safety standards.  Our visits to twelve state parks showed all parks were exceptionally clean.  We found, however, numerous incidents where the state parks had not complied with federal and state drinking water regulations or division water testing policies, and therefore could not be assured that park visitors were provided water safe for consumption.  We also found lack of adequate oversight of park operations.  The department agreed with all our recommendations.

Regulations relating to testing of water samples for contaminants were not being followed, resulting in inadequate oversight of water safety

Federal and state regulations dictate how often water samples must be taken from public water systems and tested to determine the levels of contaminates.  Water systems which serve more than 1,000 persons per day during any month must submit samples more often than less frequently visited sites.  Our review found eight of eleven parks, which served more than 1,000 visitors per day on busier months failed to submit the additional required samples.  Periodic water testing is necessary to ensure water is safe to drink.  Presence of contaminants may indicate conditions are favorable for the growth of dangerous bacteria and micro-organisms.  (See page 5)

Public drinking water at state parks was not tested daily to make sure chlorine levels were adequate

The parks division has a policy which requires state parks to conduct daily tests to ensure chlorine levels are adequate to kill dangerous bacteria.  In spite of this policy, none of the eleven state parks reviewed conducts all required tests.  When the tests indicated the chlorine levels had fallen below the prescribed levels, only one of the parks retested within the required time to ensure the chlorine levels had returned to a safe level.  Inadequate chlorine testing and disinfectant levels can allow harmful bacteria to flourish and multiply, resulting in unsafe drinking water.  (See page 6)

The department has failed to audit the operations of state parks to ensure revenues are properly accounted for

State parks generated $3.6 million in revenue for the state during fiscal year 2003. 

However, 9 of the 12 top revenue generating parks have not been audited by the department since 1997.  Regular, periodic audits of state park operations by the department would ensure all state revenues generated by the parks are properly accounted.  (See page 8)

Complete Audit Report