LOUIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Missouri American Water has submitted a request to the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) for $1.5 billion in water and wastewater system investments. These investments are planned and completed from January 2023 to May 2026, highlighting the company’s commitment to infrastructure improvements.

Commitment to Infrastructure

Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water, stated, “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 across more than 90 counties.” This investment strategy aims to protect public health and safety in the communities served.

Importance of the Projects

These projects are essential for:

Quality Water Supply: Ensuring access to safe drinking water

Fire Protection: Enhancing fire safety through reliable water availability

Service Reliability: Improving overall service reliability for customer

The planned projects include the replacement of over 250 miles of aging water and wastewater pipes, which will help reduce main breaks and sewer overflows. Additionally, treatment plant upgrades are part of the improvement strategy.

Key Projects Overview

Missouri American Water has outlined several key projects in its investment plan:

St. Louis County

Replacement of the intake pump station at the South Water Treatment Plant.

St. Charles County

Construction of a new transmission main to provide 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

Joplin

Construction of a new carbon feed system at the treatment plant and upgrades at well sites.

Eureka and Smithton

Wastewater treatment plant upgrades, including a new lift station and UV disinfection system

Rate Case History

The last general rate case for Missouri American Water was filed with the MoPSC in July 2022. The rate order was approved in May 2023, with new rates taking effect on May 28, 2023.

Proposed Rate Changes

If the proposed rates are approved by the MoPSC, the average residential customer using 5,475 gallons per month could see an increase of about $18.00 per month. Wastewater customers may experience either a decrease or increase based on their specific service area.

Income-Based Rate Proposal

Today’s filing with the MoPSC also includes a proposed income-based rate for customers facing financial hardship. If approved, residential customers earning below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level would qualify for a discounted rate. Missouri American Water offers additional assistance through its H2O Help to Others program, payment plans, and budget billing.

Public Scrutiny Process

The rate request will undergo extensive public scrutiny by the MoPSC. This process includes :

Interrogatories: Numerous questions posed to the company.

Public Hearings: Opportunities for the public to voice opinions.

Evidentiary Hearings: Formal hearings to present evidence.

This comprehensive review can take up to 11 months. To enhance transparency, Missouri American Water has made the proposed tariffs and additional information available on its website, missouriamwater.com.

Timeline for Rate Changes

The company anticipates that any general rate changes proposed through this filing will not take effect until mid-2025, following the issuance of a final rate order by the MoPSC.

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements as defined by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to planned capital investments, the outcome of the MoPSC’s final rate order, and the effective date of new rates. They are based on current management expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties.

Conclusion

Missouri American Water is committed to enhancing its water and wastewater systems through significant investments. As it navigates the regulatory process, the company remains focused on providing reliable service and maintaining public health and safety for its customers across Missouri.

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