STL takes bold steps to fix unjust water billing system

During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the city's sustainability plan and the pressing need for water meter installations in St. Louis. A speaker highlighted the city's request for proposals aimed at upgrading the sustainability plan, emphasizing the plan's long-term impact on the community.

The speaker expressed concern over the current flat rate billing system employed by the water enterprise and the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), labeling it as inequitable and unjust. They argued that unmetered water customers are unfairly charged, with billing methods that are often based on unverified and inaccurate data. The speaker called for the installation of Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) systems, which are supported by previously adopted sustainability and climate action plans from 2013 and 2017.

The implementation of these measures, as noted in the 2017 Climate Action Plan, requires community leadership and collaboration to foster an equitable and climate-resilient city. The speaker underscored the importance of metering all water taken into and distributed from the system, aligning with industry standards set by the American Water Works Association.

The meeting concluded with a call for public engagement, encouraging attendees and viewers to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding the discussions. The emphasis on improving the water billing system reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and social equity within the city.