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1. Why is the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant Long-Range Plan important?

Because this plan focuses on the future, plan development will include coordination and input from local and regional stakeholders. The City is remains committed to meeting clean water regulatory requirements, keeping sewer rates affordable through increased efficiency, and prioritizing resiliency and sustainability in our recommendations. We will continually ask: What can we do today that people will be glad we did 100 years from now?

2. What does the City’s Overflow Control Plan have to do with the SWTP Long-Range Plan effort?

Completion of this study is a regulatory obligation of the Springfield’s Overflow Control Plan. The plan is critical to inform required spending over the next 15 years. It will allow the City to make smart investments and keep sewer rates affordable. Sewer system planning is an ongoing process that has been ongoing for many years. The City continues to invest in our wastewater collection system to meet the terms of our consent decree. 

3. Drinking water treatment vs. wastewater treatment

Whether turning on the tap or flushing the toilet, most residents don’t think much about water treatment – and we’re okay with that! It’s our job to ensure water and wastewater services are safe, reliable, efficient, and convenient. Springfield City Utilities is responsible for treating and cleaning our community’s water before it’s delivered for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other everyday uses. The City’s Environmental Services Department is responsible for cleaning the water that has been used by the community before it is released back into our waterways.

4. Are there concerns about the quality of treated water being discharged?

Water discharged from our treatment plants meets all quality standards set by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The City’s award-winning wastewater treatment facilities meet or exceed all requirements for the State of Missouri. The City of Springfield recognizes the vital importance of water resources to economic vitality, sustainability, and viability. This plan ensures our water quality and treatment system will continue to meet the highest standards.