PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals used in industrial applications such as firefighting foam, and many household products including non-stick coatings, waterproofing and stain repellants. These substances have been used in these products since the late 1930s. PFAS compounds are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” as they persist in the environment and do not readily decompose.
Due to widespread use of PFAS for decades, these compounds have been detected in the blood of people and animals around the world. Some studies have linked exposure to PFAS to harmful health effects in humans and animals, but the results of animal studies don't always correlate with human health effects. The health effects of PFAS exposure are still being studied by many agencies. The characteristics of PFAS are attributable to their structure and chemical composition, and are often described as long- or short-chain. The longer chain compounds persist longer in the environment and in the human body.
PFAS readily dissolve in water. In the United States, PFAS has been found in drinking water sources including lakes, rivers and groundwater. These compounds are introduced to water sources via runoff from areas where firefighting foams are used, and from manufacturing facilities that use these compounds in their products.
The City of St. Louis Water Division is committed to protecting public health. Since 2020, we have performed periodic voluntary sampling for PFAS from the rivers that provide our source water and from our finished drinking water at each of the City’s two drinking water treatment plants. The City is also currently participating in the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). This rule includes testing for 29 different PFAS compounds. Our most recent testing from samples collected at both treatment plants in June, 2024 indicate that all PFAS levels were below detection limits.
More information concerning PFAS may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pfas
Requests for Proposals
To see the list of currently open Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from the St. Louis Water Division, click here
Service Line Material Survey
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has modified its Lead and Copper Rule to require all Water System Operators to maintain an inventory of service line materials for each service in their water system by October 2024. The City of Saint Louis Water Division is requesting your assistance in obtaining the information necessary to comply with the new rules. We have posted instructions for identifying the material of your service line and a form to report that information to us online. You can Click Here to submit your data today.
The form will ask for some basic information and a photo of the service line where it enters your property. Your assistance will prevent the need for someone to visit your property to obtain this information.
Rate Increase Information
For the first time in 13 years, the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved an initial 20% increase in the water rate charges. The first $5 average monthly increase is effective July 1, 2023, with a second $5 average monthly increase in January 2024. This will provide the revenue necessary to sustain the maintenance and operation of the City’s water system, repairing main breaks and ensuring residents have access to the safe, clean water they rely on.
This effort will also allow the Water Division to replenish the reserves necessary to make long-term investments in our infrastructure. St. Louisans will continue to pay less on average for water than residents of St. Louis County or Kansas City.
The Collector of Revenue's office remains committed to collecting and administering your payments carefully and efficiently, as prescribed by law. If you have any questions about the payment options available to you, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 314-622-3628. For billing questions, please contact the Water Division at 314-771-2255.
The Water Division is Hiring!
The Water Division has immediate job openings for the following positions:
Carpenter, Chemist I, Civil Engineer II, Construction Equipment Operator I , Construction Equipment Operator II, Electronic Control Systems Technician, Heavy Equipment Operator I, Heavy Equipment Operator II, Programmer Analyst I, Stationary Engineer, Utility Locator, Water Maintenance Technician, Water Maintenance Foreman, Water Meter Worker, Water Plant Maintenance Mechanic, Water Treatment Plant Operator
Apply here:
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/personnel/jobs/index.cfm
Online Account Access
Access your account and pay your water bill online
New Account Application
Set up a new account with the Water Division
Water Turn-On
If your water needs to be turned back on, use the form available here
Frequently Asked Questions
Review some of the questions and/or problems most frequently addressed by our Customer Service department.
Hydrant Use Permits
Get a permit to use a city fire hydrant for your event
Tap Applications
Apply for a new tap to an existing water main for new construction projects
Facility Information Request
Request information about city water facilities
Autopay Registration
Register to autopay your city utility bills.
Water Rates
Learn about how water billing rates are set
Connection Regulations
Find comprehensive information on the policies and regulations regarding Water Division appurtenances.
The Water Division regularly publishes documents about our operations for the public. These include Consumer Confidence reports that summarize information about the water system and compliance with drinking water rules, public financial statements, and jobs with the City of St. Louis.
Here you can read Consumer Confidence reports that summarize information about the water system and compliance with drinking water rules, and learn about the water treatment process.
Here you will find contact information for the Water Division that you can use to report any problems with your water service, or if you would like to report an open fire hydrant or running water in the street.