en.Wedoany.com Reported - Missouri American Water has filed a rate application with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) to support its planned investment of approximately $1.6 billion in water and wastewater system improvements, scheduled for completion between June 2025 and May 2028.
The company stated that the application aims to consolidate investments in critical system upgrades and continuously improve water quality and supply reliability for over 1.7 million service population across the state. Rich Svindland, President of Missouri American Water, noted that strategic planning and investment in water and wastewater systems are designed to ensure they can continue to meet the needs of customers and communities. These investments will be used to replace approximately 140 miles of aging water and sewer pipes, upgrade storage tanks, wells, pump stations, fire hydrants, water meters, and wastewater treatment plants, and continue advancing lead service line replacement and treatment facility improvements to address regulatory requirements for emerging contaminants, including PFAS.
The investment plan covers multiple regions. In St. Louis County, the company will relocate the South Plant intake to a higher elevation to mitigate flood risks and replace raw water pumps, emergency power generation equipment, and aging pump components. In Jefferson City, plans include constructing new filter and chemical feed buildings to update infrastructure that has exceeded its useful life. The water treatment plant in St. Joseph will undergo expansion, including the construction of new clarifiers and filters, renovation of treatment units, and upgrades to chemical feed systems. Joplin will see the installation of a new carbon feed system, upgrades to well field treatment facilities, and improvements to filter backwashing. On the wastewater side, equipment upgrades, pump station construction, and process improvements will enhance treatment reliability and efficiency, while helping meet environmental compliance requirements.
If the proposed rates are approved, residential customers in St. Louis County using an average of 5,900 gallons of water per month would see their water bills increase by approximately $23 per month; residential customers in other areas using an average of 4,500 gallons per month would see an increase of about $15 per month. Following wastewater rate adjustments, low-volume users will experience moderate increases, while high-volume and unmetered users will see larger adjustments to better align service costs. Missouri American Water stated it will continue to offer affordability support programs, including the "H2O Help to Others" assistance program, budget billing options, and flexible payment plans.
This rate application is the first step in the Missouri Public Service Commission's review process, which can take up to 11 months. Customers can express their opinions by submitting written comments or attending public comment hearings. All rate changes require Commission approval, and if approved, the new rates could take effect as early as June 2027.
