JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 26, 2025 – Michael Grose, an environmental engineer with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Environmental Quality, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for February 2025. He was selected for his service to the department and his efforts while collaborating with a public water system in Taney County.
The water system identified high turbidity at a newly drilled well, indicating that surface water may be directly influencing the well water. Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. The system was in the final steps of bringing the new water supply online.
Grose quickly jumped into action and notified the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch of the issue. As a result of his actions, the system was able to submit an emergency request to modify their distribution system and isolate the well from the rest of the system. Grose worked with the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch and Water Resources Center to draft sampling requirements for the well and discussed the new requirements with the water system. While the system continues to investigate the source of the well water, Grose’s innovative thinking and quick response helped the project managers find a solution to continue serving safe drinking water to their customers.
When working with public water systems or on new projects, Grose regularly provides suggestions to help them save money. Among his team, he regularly volunteers to help on anything from taking samples to covering the front desk.
“Michael is an exceptional team member that consistently works at a high level and is always willing to assist the team,” said Kristen Pattinson, a drinking water section chief and Grose’s supervisor, who nominated him for the award. “He deserves recognition for his great work on this site, and his commitment to quality and assistance, along with consistently going above and beyond, is a great example for others.”
Grose joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in April 2006 and resides in Springfield.