Saint Louis Water Division secures $1.3M contract for comprehensive water master plan

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee of the St. Louis City Council convened on June 11, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives and projects aimed at improving the city's water infrastructure and services. The meeting highlighted ongoing projects, funding strategies, and regulatory compliance efforts.

The session began with an update on the water master plan, which has recently secured an executed contract valued at $1,275,000. This comprehensive assessment will evaluate water production, distribution, and business functions over the next year. It aims to forecast demand for the next 20 years and develop a capital renewal plan, which will also consider the impact on water rates.

The committee addressed the necessity of a rate sufficiency study, required by bond indentures, following a rate increase implemented on July 1, 2023. This study will integrate a cost of service analysis, with estimated costs ranging from $75,000 to $150,000. The master plan will inform this study, ensuring a cohesive approach to financial planning.

Additionally, the committee discussed non-priority projects that could enhance efficiency, such as improvements to the lime handling and processing facility. This project, while not classified as a priority, is expected to yield significant savings by automating processes and reducing chemical costs.

Regulatory changes were also a focal point, particularly concerning discharge permits and lead regulations. The city is undertaking a $300,000 study to review water treatment and discharge practices. Efforts to inventory lead service lines are ongoing, with an estimated replacement cost of $400 million for approximately 40,000 lines.

The meeting further addressed the issue of "forever chemicals" (PFAS), noting that current tests show no detection in the city's water supply. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous testing protocols and compliance with evolving regulations.

Water main breaks were discussed, revealing a higher-than-average rate of 340 breaks per year, attributed to aging infrastructure. A $5 million project is planned to assess transmission conduits to mitigate this issue.

The committee also reviewed financial challenges, including rising delinquency rates in customer payments, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies to address these delinquencies are being developed in collaboration with the mayor's office.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing water quality and infrastructure while navigating financial and regulatory challenges. The next steps include advancing the master plan and integrating findings from various studies to ensure sustainable water services for St. Louis residents.