Water Bill

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer announced the formation of the fund on Thursday, which will be used to address housing insecurity exacerbated by the May 16 tornado. The mayor says the city is also expanding its water utility assistance program.

As towns like Madison consider the advantages and disadvantages of keeping water systems locally owned or selling to a private company, there are others that are taking a different approach.

Lawmakers are making it more difficult to take water out of Missouri.

The move comes after state regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the requested increase on Thursday. The five-member board approved a $110 million increase for the company, a 30% reduction from the company’s original request early this year.

A proposal by the Missouri American Water company would increase rates in areas across the state. The Missouri Public Service Commission is holding a hearing Tuesday night to get public input.

Critics say the Missouri legislation debated this week could jeopardize the state’s groundwater and 136,000 miles of streams.

The water department had just $2 million left in reserves before the rate hikes kicked in. They are expected to raise a combined $33 million.

After higher water rates took effect in St. Louis in July, calculate your increase — and how much more you'll pay in 2024.

Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, 1st Ward, says the city’s Water Division has responded to 180 water main breaks since October.

Aldermen also discussed a bill to prohibit the open carry of firearms, which has encountered several challenges this week.