YOUR WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES

On May 3, 2023, the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) issued an order approving the rate settlement reached by parties in Missouri American Water’s rate review for its water and wastewater operations. The company, the MoPSC Staff, the Office of the Public Counsel, the Midwest Energy Consumers Group, the City of St. Joseph, and Consumer’s Council of Missouri signed on to the settlement. No parties involved in the rate review objected to the settlement.

“We are pleased the Missouri Public Service Commission approved the settlement, which was reached after working diligently with the parties to balance affordability with system investments,” said Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water. “The settlement allows us to recover prudent investments in our treatment plants and pipelines that benefit customers by enhancing service, reliability, resiliency and water quality.”

The rate review, which was filed in July 2022, included a request for recovery of nearly $770 million in water and wastewater system improvements from January 2021 to May 2023. Investments in the rate review include the replacement or installation of approximately 280 miles of aging water and wastewater pipes to help reduce main breaks and sewer overflows. Improvement projects also include the upgrading of treatment plants, storage tanks, wells, pumping and lift stations, fire hydrants, meters and more across the state. Click here to see a map of pipe replacement projects in your area.

New rates took effect on May 28, 2023. Most residential water customers will see an increase of about $5 to $7 in their total monthly bill, while most wastewater customers will see an increase ranging from less than $1 to about $7 on their monthly bill, depending on the customer’s service area.

The MoPSC also approved customer assistance funding. Missouri American Water is proud to continue support for its H2O Help to Others customer assistance program and offer flexible options like installment plans and budget billing, and to help customers facing especially difficult circumstances like rehousing or a critical event.

Information on additional customer assistance programs can be found on our Payment Assistance Options webpage.

Information on current water and wastewater rates, which became effective on May 28, 2023, can be found below:

• Schedule of Rates – Water
• Rules and Regulations – Water
• Schedule of Rates – Wastewater
• Rules and Regulations – Wastewater

Water and Sewer Infrastructure Rate Adjustment (WSIRA)

In 2021 the Missouri Legislature passed a bill to help accelerate the replacement of aging pipes, pumps, and other critical components of water and wastewater systems by allowing for more timely recovery of investments.

How do customers benefit?

Replacing pipes and other key parts of aging water and wastewater systems as they near the end of their life expectancy improves system reliability, efficiency and performance. For example, new water mains are less likely to break and are typically larger in diameter than older mains, which increases water flow to better meet the needs of customers and fire fighters.

Additionally, planned replacement projects allow water companies to coordinate with local governments and large customers to minimize disruptions and maximize resources. For example, planning ahead allows us to replace water mains in conjunction with road repaving projects, target the replacement of lead service lines, and schedule major projects at night and on the weekends to avoid negative business impacts and traffic congestion.

What improvements does it fund?

WSIRA helps fund the replacement of aging pipes, meters, valves, hydrants, service lines, sewer laterals, pumps, mechanical equipment, and system controls. These are all critical components of reliable water and wastewater systems.

How does it work?

A water or wastewater company can request recovery of eligible investments every six months. The replacement projects must be completed and serving customers before they can be included in a filing. Once reviewed and approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission, a small rate adjustment will appear on customers’ bills to help pay for the projects.

How will it impact bills?

WSIRA is designed to be more budget-friendly for our customers than the traditional comprehensive rate review process because it allows for smaller, more consistent increases to customers’ bills. Because WSIRA adjustments are based on the amount of water used, customers can also lower their bill by using less water—every 1,000 gallons saves between $8 and $9. Visit our website for Wise Water Use tips like using water-efficient appliances and only watering your lawn when needed.

How will it help my community?

Reliable water and wastewater systems are key to economic development and community growth. Efficiently replacing aging pipes and other critical assets improves service and reliability, both now and for future generations. These projects also support quality jobs, with an estimated six direct jobs and nine indirect jobs created for every $1 million invested in water systems.

What are the WSIRA rates?

WSIRA - Water Customers (per 1,000 gallons)

WSIRA – Sewer Customers (Percent of Total Bill)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WSIRA PROGRAM.