Missouri American Water Investing $360 Million to Upgrade Local Water System in 2024
Missouri American Water is investing $360 million this year to upgrade the water treatment and distribution systems that serve most of St. Louis County and parts of St. Charles County. Much of the infrastructure dates back to the early- and mid-1900s and is being replaced to enhance water quality, reliability, resiliency, and system efficiency.
“We know how critical water is to the health and vitality of a community, and this investment is key to our commitment to provide clean, safe, and reliable water to our customers,” said Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water. “Our dedicated employees and external contracting partners work to carefully plan and execute these projects so they benefit our customers for generations to come.”
Main Replacement
In 2024, the company plans to replace nearly 60 miles of water main locally in St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
Many system pipes are 70 to 100 years old and can break as they reach the end of their useful life. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, a main break occurs every two minutes in the U.S. Planned pipe replacement projects are safer, more cost effective and convenient for customers than emergency main break repairs.
Customers and community leaders can view an interactive map of the company’s pipe replacement projects. Projects are prioritized based on main break rate, system criticality, coordination with state and local governments, and other factors.
Lead Service Line Removal
Missouri American Water is investing more than $70 million this year to identify and replace lead service lines locally. The company has voluntarily pledged to replace all lead service lines in the communities it serves by 2030. This includes both the customer-owned side and the company-owned side of the lead service lines.
Customers can learn more about the company’s lead service line program and report the material of their side of the service line here.
Water Plant and Storage Tank Projects
The company also has several projects planned to upgrade its treatment plants and storage, which are key to enhancing water quality and maintaining system reliability:
Central Plant Water Treatment Basins
A major project to replace large water basins at the Central Plant, the largest treatment plant operated by American Water, will commence this year. The current basins date back to the early 1900s. This project, which will take 3 to 4 years to complete, is the first phase of a long-range plan to replace aging filtration and pumping equipment at the plant.
South Plant Intake Pump Station and Chemical Feed Building
Two key upgrades will be made to South Plant to replace buildings and equipment dating back to the 1950s. The intake station, which pumps water from the Meramec River to the South Plant for treatment, will be replaced to improve reliability and mitigate the impact of flood events. Also, a structure will be built to house new chemical storage and feed equipment, which will improve efficiencies in the water treatment process.
Sunset Hills Tank
Water storage tanks are critical components of the distribution system, helping to maintain system pressure, manage daily usage, and support community fire protection. A new elevated tank will replace one installed in the late 1930s to enhance reliability and operational efficiency in South County.
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.6 million people.
Missouri American Water is investing $360 million this year to upgrade the water treatment and distribution systems that serve most of St. Louis County and parts of St. Charles County. Much of the infrastructure dates back to the early- and mid-1900s and is being replaced to enhance water quality, reliability, resiliency, and system efficiency.
“We know how critical water is to the health and vitality of a community, and this investment is key to our commitment to provide clean, safe, and reliable water to our customers,” said Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water. “Our dedicated employees and external contracting partners work to carefully plan and execute these projects so they benefit our customers for generations to come.”
Main Replacement
In 2024, the company plans to replace nearly 60 miles of water main locally in St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
Many system pipes are 70 to 100 years old and can break as they reach the end of their useful life. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, a main break occurs every two minutes in the U.S. Planned pipe replacement projects are safer, more cost effective and convenient for customers than emergency main break repairs.
Customers and community leaders can view an interactive map of the company’s pipe replacement projects. Projects are prioritized based on main break rate, system criticality, coordination with state and local governments, and other factors.
Lead Service Line Removal
Missouri American Water is investing more than $70 million this year to identify and replace lead service lines locally. The company has voluntarily pledged to replace all lead service lines in the communities it serves by 2030. This includes both the customer-owned side and the company-owned side of the lead service lines.
Customers can learn more about the company’s lead service line program and report the material of their side of the service line here.
Water Plant and Storage Tank Projects
The company also has several projects planned to upgrade its treatment plants and storage, which are key to enhancing water quality and maintaining system reliability:
Central Plant Water Treatment Basins
A major project to replace large water basins at the Central Plant, the largest treatment plant operated by American Water, will commence this year. The current basins date back to the early 1900s. This project, which will take 3 to 4 years to complete, is the first phase of a long-range plan to replace aging filtration and pumping equipment at the plant.
South Plant Intake Pump Station and Chemical Feed Building
Two key upgrades will be made to South Plant to replace buildings and equipment dating back to the 1950s. The intake station, which pumps water from the Meramec River to the South Plant for treatment, will be replaced to improve reliability and mitigate the impact of flood events. Also, a structure will be built to house new chemical storage and feed equipment, which will improve efficiencies in the water treatment process.
Sunset Hills Tank
Water storage tanks are critical components of the distribution system, helping to maintain system pressure, manage daily usage, and support community fire protection. A new elevated tank will replace one installed in the late 1930s to enhance reliability and operational efficiency in South County.
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.6 million people.