Missouri American Water requests $18 per month rate increase
ST. LOUIS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Missouri American Water filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) reflecting $1.5 billion in water and wastewater system investments completed and planned from January 2023 to May 2026.
The request reinforces the company’s commitment to replace aging infrastructure, provide reliable service, enhance water quality and comply with environmental regulations
“We carefully plan investments in our water and wastewater systems to provide safe, clean and reliable service to nearly 1.6 million (one in four) Missourians in more than 90 counties throughout the state,” said Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water. “These prudent, ongoing investments show our commitment to protecting public health and safety in the communities we serve.”
These projects are important to continue providing quality water, increasing fire protection and improving service reliability for customers and include replacement of over 250 miles of aging water and wastewater pipe to help reduce main breaks and sewer overflows. Improvement projects also include treatment plant upgrades.
Key projects include:
- Joplin – Construction of a new carbon feed system at the treatment plant and well site treatment upgrades.
- St. Louis County – Replacement of the intake pump station at the South Water Treatment Plant
- St. Charles County – Construction of new transmission main to add a second source of water supply
- Jefferson City – Construction of a new filter building at the water treatment plant
- St. Joseph – Upgrades at the water treatment plant and Randolph booster stations
- Eureka, Smithton – Wastewater treatment plant upgrades including construction of new lift station and UV disinfection
The company’s last general rate case was filed with the MoPSC in July 2022 with a rate Order being approved in May 2023. New rates became effective on May 28, 2023.
If the company’s proposed rates are approved as filed with the MoPSC today, the water bill for the average residential customer using 5,475 gallons per month would increase about $18.00 per month. Wastewater customers could see a monthly decrease or increase depending on the customer’s service area.
Part of today’s filing with the MoPSC includes a proposed income-based rate for customers facing financial hardship. If approved by the MoPSC, residential customers below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level would be eligible for a discounted rate. Missouri American Water also offers assistance through its H2O Help to Others program, payment plans and budget billing.
The company’s rate request undergoes extensive public scrutiny by the MoPSC. This process includes numerous interrogatories, public hearings and evidentiary hearings and can take up to 11 months. To increase transparency of the process, the company’s proposed tariffs and other information about the filing are included on the company’s website, missouriamwater.com.
The company anticipates that any general rate changes proposed through this filing would not become effective until mid-2025, after a final rate Order is issued by the MoPSC.