Tours available for voters in Cape Girardeau ahead of proposed rate increase on November ballot

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Voters in Cape Girardeau wanting to know about a proposed rate increase for water system improvements can learn more at upcoming plant tours.

The city of Cape Girardeau will hold plant tours on Fridays at 2 p.m. Call ahead to schedule a tour at 573-334-6747.

City leaders say the water is safe to drink now. The change in source water caused the treatment process to slow, reducing production. City leaders say there is a quantity problem, not quality.

Most Cape Girardeau water customers (89%) can expect to see a monthly increase ranging between $8.19 and $13.89 if the ballot measure is passed in November.

Significant improvements are already underway. The investment in plant and distribution improvements will be $56 million over the next eight years. Improvements expected to occur beyond 2033 total $64 million.

City leaders say the water has been more challenging to treat. There are naturally occurring substances that develop in the city’s source water, which the water treatment plant routinely treats to remove. Environmental changes have slowed down the treatment process, limiting the flow through the plant.

Alliance Water Resources is a professional water and wastewater company founded in 1976 serving more than 40 communities across several states. Alliance has managed the operations and maintenance of Cape Girardeau’s water system since 1992. The company also maintains the city’s sewer system and utility mapping.

The language on the November ballot reads:

Shall the City of Cape Girardeau raise water rates and fees for the purpose of funding necessary improvements and maintenance of the water system such that during the current fiscal year the increase exceeds five (5) percent and shall Section 29-213 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, be amended establishing new water rates and fees effective January 1, 2025, resulting, based on current usage, in an increase in the current fiscal year ranging between $8.19 and $13.89 per month for 89% of water customers?

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