Water issue causes part of Callaway nuclear plant to shut down

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A water problem led to part of the Callaway Energy Center nuclear plant being shut down this week.

An executive with plant owner Ameren Missouri said Friday that "restoration of the affected systems on the non-nuclear side" of the plant was underway.

"Our focus is on returning the facility to full power for the benefit of our customers. The team remains committed to performing every step with safety as our highest priority," site Vice President John Beck said in the statement.

Callaway County Emergency Management Director Michelle Kidwell said the partial shutdown happened after water that wasn't properly filtered made its way into pumps meant for highly filtered water. The problem caused issues with water chemistry, leading to the shutdown.

Beck said Ameren has wrapped up its investigation into what happened.

Kidwell said there is no danger to the public.

The facility, located in southeastern Callaway County, is Missouri's only nuclear power plant.