The Missouri Public Service Commission (MOPSC) today issued new water and sewer rates for Missouri American Water effective no earlier than June 25, 2016.

The rate request comes in response to the approximately $442 million in water and sewer system improvements Missouri American Water has implemented since 2012. These improvements ensure quality, reliable service to customers across the state and include water pipe replacement and upgrades to water and sewer plants.

”This new rate structure allows Missouri American Water to continue to improve our service to customers by investing in needed infrastructure,” said Missouri American Water President Cheryl Norton. “Reliably delivering clean, safe water to customers requires significant investment in plants, pumps and pipes, and while we know that nobody enjoys paying more for their water service, we hope our customers understand the reasons behind this.”

As part of the rate order, the MOPSC consolidated water and sewer rates into geographic regions. This form of rate consolidation creates economies of scale by spreading costs over a larger group of customers, reducing the cost a typical customer pays. The three new water districts are listed below:

  • Zone 1 – East Central: St. Louis Metro, Mexico and Jefferson City
  • Zone 2 – Southwest: Joplin, Warrensburg, Spring Valley/LWM, Ozark Mnt/LTA, Maplewood, Riverside Estates, Stonebridge, Saddlebrooke, Emerald Point, Rankin Acres, Whitebranch & Tri-States
  • Zone 3 – Northwest: Platte County, St. Joseph and Brunswick

The previous 12 wastewater districts are also being consolidated into two:

  • District 1 – Arnold
  • District 2 – all other wastewater systems

In addition, a low income assistance program was approved. Missouri American Water will work with the Office of Public Counsel and other interested parties to determine a service territory to implement a pilot program to benefit customers who struggle to pay their water bill.

Customers will receive additional information, including rate details, in their next bill.

Missouri American Water requested new rates in July 2015. Missouri American Water’s last general rate order was issued in April 2012.

About Missouri American Water

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.

American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.