City of St. Louis Water Division

Niraj S. Patel, Water Commissioner

1640 S. Kingshighway Blvd

St. Louis, MO 63110

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Water Rates Review Process

Transparent planning for a sustainable water future.

The Water Division has initiated a review of the current water rates in the City of Saint Louis. The rate review process includes an independent rate sufficiency study, communication and planning with the Mayor & Board of Aldermen, and multiple public outreach events to ensure that public transparency is maintained throughout the process.

Why is a Rate Review happening now?

The Water Division initiates a WRR when specific financial or operational triggers are met. The current review has been identified due to:

Projected Revenue Deficiency: When the Water Division notifies the Board of Alderman of a projected deficiency in revenue versus expenses as part of the annual budget process.
Rate Sufficiency Study Recommendation: Upon receipt of a recommendation for increased rates from a rate sufficiency study, as required every two years following a rate increase.
Reserve Fund Deficiency: When the balance of reserve funds falls below the recommended minimum threshold.
Projected Exceedance of Budgeted Appropriated Funds (EMERGENCY): Due to substantial and unforeseen emergency costs or significant increases in expenses that project to exceed the annual budgeted funds appropriation.

When a trigger is identified and the City of St. Louis (the “City”) determines that they will be seeking a change in its rates for water service, it shall notify the Board of Alderman and the Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee (the “Committee”) and provide written notice to its customers of the proposed change.