City of Cape Girardeau takes steps towards water facility upgrades following rejected proposal

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Now that the election season has passed, some residents of Cape Girardeau are now wondering what’s next after the proposal failed to pass by vote.

In response to the concerns about the state of the water facility, city officials are taking a necessary step towards improving the quantity of water in the city.

While voters rejected the water treatment proposal, Cape Girardeau has set away $9 million from reserves for a first phase of upgrades.

J.J. Ridings from Alliance Water Resources explains the city’s plan, which includes updating the live feed system and installing a hydrated lime system to enhance water treatment.

Additionally, the funds will go toward a “filter gallery project,” designed to improve the water flow by addressing bottlenecks in the existing system.

Ridings says that while the $9 million investment is a positive step, it won’t cover the entire scope of upgrades needed for Cape Girardeau’s water system. The first phase is expected to be completed by May or June next year(2025), with a goal to support demands during the summer season.

“This is a short-term fix, but a beneficial one,” Ridings said, emphasizing the ongoing work needed to secure a higher quantity of water for the city.