FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Recent sewer rate benchmarking study indicates Springfield wastewater rates are below rates of similar cities in Missouri and Midwest.
Customers on City sewer service will see a planned rate increase beginning July 1, in order to continue improving the City’s aging 
sewer system and to remain in compliance with federal Clean Water Act regulations. The City of Springfield contracts with City Utilities for sanitary sewer services billing, so customers will notice this change on their August CU bills.
Sewer rates are based on water consumption calculated by averaging water usage for January, February and March, to avoid summer irrigation, car washing, filling up pools, etc. This is because the majority of residents’ water goes down drains and toilets and ends up in the wastewater system. Springfield Environmental Services charges a base customer charge and an additional charge for each 100 cubic feet (CCF) of water used. One CCF equals 748 gallons.
An average residential customer uses 6 CCF and currently receives a bill for $37.63 per month. Following the July 1, 2022 effective date, a residential user with 6 CCF use will receive a bill for $39.60.
Springfield sewer rates are consistently below averages of similar cities within Missouri and the Midwest, according to a recently conducted benchmark survey of wastewater charges of communities within the state of Missouri and a broader Midwest region. Results of the survey indicate that:
- Springfield’s monthly residential cost is 18% less than average cities in Missouri and 14% less than average Midwest cities.
- Springfield’s monthly commercial cost is 41% less than average cities in Missouri and 43% less than average Midwest cities.
- Springfield’s monthly industrial cost is 26% less than average cities in Missouri and 13% less than average Midwest cities.
Springfield has also recently modified their consent decree that includes a $300 million, 15-year plan for renewal of its collection system and treatment facilities. This investment program is expected to be completed with future rate adjustments remaining aligned with inflation as experienced by the general economy. Thus, for the foreseeable future, Springfield’s sewer rates are expected to remain low compared with other cities.
The 2022 rate increase is the third in a series of increases approved by City Council in January 2020. This rate structure will last through June 2023 and is consistent with the recommendations of a community stakeholder group appointed to consider changes to Springfield’s wastewater system, including rates.
For more information about City Wastewater improvements, visit springfieldmo.gov/wastewater or call Sewer Revenue Technician Kristy Haynes at 417-864-1924.
###
Media Contact: Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected]