Missouri American Water filed a request Friday to raise rates for water and sewer service with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC).
If the rate request is granted in full, the average Jefferson City and Redfield Golf Course area residential water customer, using approximately 4,200 gallons of water per month, would see his or her water bill increase by $3.36 per month from $41.03 to $44.40.
Missouri American Water sewer customers in Cole, Pettis and Callaway counties would see their bills increase by about $4.28 per month, from $65.22 to $69.50 per month.
The PSC last approved rate changes for Missouri American in April 2012.
Company officials said their investments in water and sewer system improvements from Jan. 1, 2012, through Jan. 31, 2016, are the primary reasons behind the request. Company spokesman Ann Detmer said Missouri American Water will have invested approximately $7.1 million in Jefferson City's water infrastructure and $1.8 million in sewer infrastructure for the company's operations in Cole, Pettis and Callaway counties.
"In Jefferson City, the water system improvements include a new 1.5 million gallon water storage tank and a new water storage facility at their water treatment plant," she said. "We have replaced about 2.2 miles of water mains along Industrial Drive, Lafayette Street, Jefferson Street and Wicker Lane."
Sewer system improvements include plant upgrades and new treatment plants designed to meet regulatory requirements and protect the environment.
"These improvements to local water and sewer plants, pumps and pipes help to enhance service quality, reliability, environmental performance, public health and fire protection for customers," Detmer said.
Rates will not change until the PSC completes a comprehensive audit of the request. The 11-month process includes public hearings and opportunities for public comment.