Water Rates Review Process

Home » Customers » Water Rates Review Process

Changing Water Rates

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.

Proposed Rate Increases

Upon completion of a comprehensive rate sufficiency study commissioned last year, the City of St. Louis Water Division is prepared to announce a rate increase proposal based on the results. The study was designed to address financial solvency, rate stability, and asset renewal to ensure long-term sustainability and reliability for generations to come.

The proposed plan would see an initial rate hike of two 18% increases in 2026 and 2027 followed by three 6% increases in 2028 through 2030 and two subsequent smaller increases in 2031 and 2032. The current average monthly residential water bill in the City of St. Louis is $35 to $45. With this proposal, that bill would increase by $7 to $9 per month in 2026 and an additional $7 to $9 per month in 2027. The additional more moderate increases of roughly $2 to $3 per month would go into effect annually through 2032.

Anticipated Monthly Increase

Average monthly bill (current)Anticipated monthly increase
2026202720282029203020312032
$41$7–9$7–9$3–4$3–4$3–4$3–4$3–4

City Flat Rate Comparison (Monthly)

Current
City Flat Rate (Monthly)
  • Rooms (5 @ $1.86) $9.30
  • Toilets (2 @ $7.28) $14.56
  • Bath/Shower (2 @ $6.10) $12.20
  • Sprinkling Charge
    (30LF @ $0.12)
    $3.60
  • Line Insurance $1.00
  • Natural Resource Charge $0.35
  • Water Rate Total $41.01
  • Gross Receipts Tax (4%) $1.64

Bill Total $42.65

Proposed 2026
City Flat Rate (Monthly)
  • Rooms (5 @ $2.19) $10.97
  • Toilets (2 @ $8.59) $17.18
  • Bath/Shower (2 @ $7.20) $14.40
  • Sprinkling Charge
    (30LF @ $0.14)
    $4.25
  • Line Insurance $1.00
  • Natural Resource Charge $0.35
  • Water Rate Total $48.15
  • Gross Receipts Tax (4%) $1.93

Bill Total $50.07

Proposed 2027
City Flat Rate (Monthly)

  • Rooms (5 @ $2.59) $12.95
  • Toilets (2 @ $10.14) $20.27
  • Bath/Shower (2 @ $8.49) $16.99
  • Sprinkling Charge
    (30LF @ $0.17)
    $5.01
  • Line Insurance $1.00
  • Natural Resource Charge $0.35
  • Water Rate Total $56.57
  • Gross Receipts Tax (4%) $2.26

Bill Total $58.84

In the Community

Appearances

Public Infrastructure and Utilties Commitee

3 Videos

Calendar

Documents

Share your Feedback

The City welcomes public comments and questions regarding the Water Rates Review Process and municipal water services.

Community input is an important part of ensuring transparency, accountability, and high-quality service. Residents are encouraged to share their feedback, concerns, and suggestions for consideration.

We want to hear your thoughts about STL Water and how we are doing to fulfill our mission of proving the highest quality drinking water to you. Fill our the form below to send us a message!