Missouri American Water completes acquisition of Purcell Water and Wastewater
JOPLIN, Mo. (November 1, 2022) – Missouri American Water president Rich Svindland announced the company has completed its acquisition of the City of Purcell’s water and wastewater systems.
This will add approximately 160 water and 150 wastewater customers to the company’s southwestern district. Missouri American Water has been operating both systems since February 2021 at the request of local officials.
“We welcome the residents of Purcell and are honored to provide safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater service to the community,” said Svindland. “Customers will continue to benefit from the experience and expertise of our dedicated team of professionals, and we can now move forward with making the necessary improvements to maintain regulatory compliance.”
More than 90% of the voters in Purcell supported the ballot measure in August 2021, choosing Missouri American Water as their trusted water and wastewater provider.
“Our employees have become very familiar with the water and wastewater systems in Purcell since we have been operating both for over a year now,” said Matthew Barnhart, director of operations for Missouri American Water. “When we were approached about assisting the community there were numerous compliance issues. Now we are within all operating guidelines and can focus on making improvements to maintain regulatory compliance.”
Missouri American Water will invest approximately $2.4 million in system improvements over the next five years.
“Purcell had no certified water or sewer system operator and was unable to operate its systems in a safe and compliant manner,” stated the Missouri Public Service Commission in its order approving the acquisition.
“At the time [Missouri American Water] began operating the systems for Purcell, the drinking water disinfection system was not functioning, and the sewer system was discharging wastewater from the plant that was not safe and compliant.”
New customers will receive welcome packets by mail containing important customer information within the coming weeks, with the first bill scheduled for early December.
“We anticipate a smooth transition of service given we have been operating the system and have become very familiar with the residents and the community as a whole,” said Barnhart.