Southeast Missouri City

Project Overview

Following years of on-again, off-again discussions this city in southeast Missouri entered into earnest negotiation with Union Electric Company in 1991 with an eye toward acquisition of the water system serving the city residents.

The City asked Aqua Waterward Engineering Ltd. to provide the necessary professional, business and financial expertise needed for contract negotiations, possible formation of a completely new water utility department and, if successful, management, operations and maintenance of the new water system.

On June 2, 1992, with Aqua Waterward Engineering Ltd.’s assistance the City successfully acquired its water system and began providing municipal water service to its 35,000-plus citizens. Well in advance of the startup, Aqua Waterward Engineering Ltd. recruited and trained a completely new water staff to replace the departing Union Electric staff. Under a cost-effective, long-term agreement with the City, Aqua Waterward Engineering Ltd. provides complete water system operation and maintenance services, including operations of a 7.6 MGD lime softening treatment plant and a 2.8 MGD alluvial groundwater plant, distribution system maintenance, meter reading and full customer service.

Aqua Waterward Engineering Ltd. has also provided substantial assistance to the City and its consulting engineers with the upgrade and expansion of their existing surface water plant to a 7.6 MGD lime softening plant and conversion of the raw water source to alluvial wells. This ambitious improvement program ensures the plant achieves full compliance with existing and future drinking water regulations and provides higher quality water to City customers.