Missouri’s attorney genera’s office is investigating well drillers who may have been charging more for their service during the current drought.

While not providing specifics, Attorney General Chris Koster announced he was looking into reports that drillers of water wells may have spiked prices for their services in northwest Missouri.

Missouri is under a state of emergency because of the prolonged drought and price-gouging in a declared disaster is illegal under state law.

“My office will move aggressively and immediately against any business that engages in price-gouging in the midst of the most extreme drought conditions in Missouri in 50 years,” Koster said. “Whether it involves drilling wells for farmers or maintenance of air conditioners for senior citizens, substantial and unwarranted price increases so long as we remain under the State of Emergency will not be tolerated.”

Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency on July 23 and also made $7 million in state funds available to help farmers with drilling, deepening water wells or expanding their irrigation systems.

Koster says he urges anyone who suspects price gouging related to the drought to contact his office.

Koster urges anyone who suspects price-gouging in any service or product related to the drought to contact his Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or to file a consumer complaint online at ago.mo.gov.