The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved an agreement reached by parties in water and sewer rate cases filed by the Missouri American Water.
Under the agreement, MAW has been granted an increase of approximately $30 million over water and sewer revenues authorized in MAW's last general rate cases which took effect May 28, 2018.
When MAW filed its rate cases June 30, it sought an increase of approximately $103 million over water and sewer revenues authorized in MAW's last general rate cases decided in May 2018. At the time, company officials said the main reason for the request was a $950 million statewide investment in water and sewer systems the company had been making that started in 2018 and would go through mid-2022.
Investments in the rate review included replacement of about 275 miles of aging water and sewer pipelines, and an upgrade of treatment plants, storage tanks, wells and pumping stations across the state. This included replacing the Jefferson City water treatment plant's clear well, which was built in 1888.
Most residential water customers will see either a decrease or no change in their current monthly water rate.
For example, a residential water customer in Jefferson City using 5,000 gallons of water a month will see the water rate stay at the current rate of $40.23 a month.
MAW provides sewer service in Wardsville. Customers there currently pay a flat rate of $58.13 per month, but under this agreement the rate will increase to $61.64 a month.
Company officials said increases in the regulations for operating sewer systems are leading to higher costs.