Utility seeking to take over Taos sewer system

Missouri American Water Company is looking to take over the Taos sewer system.

The company has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking a certificate to install, own, operate and maintain a sewer system in and around Taos.

Missouri American Water would purchase all of the sewer system assets of the currently unregulated Taos system, which serves approximately 421 customers, according to the application.

Taos residents voted in June to approve Missouri American Water to become their sewer service provider.

Taos residents will save about $70 per year on their bills with the approval of the $4.1 million sale of the sewer system, city officials said.

Missouri American Water officials said they are looking to make $700,000 of required improvements to the sewer system within the first five years of ownership.

Taos officials said the town had been looking to do this for the last couple of years due to increased regulations for sewer systems mandated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and because Taos has no full-time employees to address maintenance issues on the system.