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Senator Bill White to Address the Importance of Continued Investment in Water and Wastewater Systems

Water main replacement project in South Joplin funded by the Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement Act

JOPLIN, MO (September 10, 2021) – As Missouri American Water is completing another investment in the local water system in Joplin, Senator Bill White will be on site of a water pipe replacement project to discuss the importance of continuing and increasing investments in water and wastewater systems.

Senator White played a pivotal role in the passage of the Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement Act (WSIRA) legislation which was signed into law by Governor Mike Parsons in August.

WSIRA is a program that enhances Missouri American Water’s ability to perform water main replacement and relocation projects throughout the state.  Customers will see a small surcharge, based on water usage, included on their bill.  A similar program has been in place in St. Louis since 2003, and WSIRA expanded that for critical investment in all of Missouri American Water’s operations throughout the state.

“The passing of this legislation which is critical to our ability to continue to provide reliable water and wastewater service to our customers was due to Senator White’s leadership and expertise, said Debbie Dewey, president of Missouri American Water. “Planned replacement of aging water system pipes is safer and more cost efficient than waiting for the pipes to fail which can lead to service interruptions, boil advisories and personal property damage.”

Senator White will be available to discuss the benefits of the program and answer any questions. Details are below:

 

WHERE:  Missouri American Water’s pipe replacement project at W 34th Street and Joplin Avenue

WHEN:  Monday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m.  

WHAT:  Approximately 4,400 feet of 2-inch water pipe from the early 1950’s is being

  replaced with 8-inch pipe. The project will be complete by the end of

  September.

 

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.


Media Contacts

Christie Barnhart

External Affairs Manager

NA

christie.barnhart@amwater.com