Springfield: City proposes sewer rate increases to align with cost of service and meet federal requirements

~ Springfield Environmental Services Presents Proposed Rate Increases for Wastewater Management

At the Tuesday, Nov. 18 City Council Lunch Workshop, Springfield Environmental Services (ES) presented a set of proposed rate increases for fiscal year 2027. These increases are necessary to keep up with the rising cost of providing efficient wastewater management in Springfield and to meet the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act under the City's Amended Consent Judgement.

According to a 2025 Benchmark Survey that compares Springfield's wastewater charges to communities throughout Missouri and the Midwest, Springfield continues to maintain some of the lowest rates in the region. In fact, for a typical single-family residence, Springfield's monthly wastewater bill remains 23% lower than the average in similar Missouri cities. Commercial and industrial rates also compare favorably, with commercial customers paying 44% less and industries paying 30% less.

Director of Environmental Services Errin Kemper acknowledges the impact that sewer rates have on citizens and businesses in the community. He states, "The City realizes the impact that sewer rates have on our citizens and business community and we strive to keep rates as low as possible. We also realize the need to efficiently operate and maintain this critical piece of community infrastructure and meet our regulatory obligations under the Clean Water Act." Kemper also mentions that based on the community's Integrated Planning efforts, they will continue to focus on maximizing benefits for ratepayers while meeting regulatory obligations.

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The proposed rate recommendations for FY27 include updates to residential and wholesale wastewater rates, industrial surcharge rates, and a three-year schedule for hauled waste fees. These recommendations are based on a third-party analysis of the cost of service and long-term needs of the wastewater utility.

Environmental Services is recommending a 4% system-wide rate increase for FY27, which will result in an increase of about $1.65 per month for a typical residential sewer bill. This increase is necessary to cover the rising costs of providing efficient wastewater management.

In addition, new industrial surcharges for ammonia and total phosphorus are proposed to reflect updated treatment costs and the increasing regulatory emphasis on managing these nutrients. Kemper explains, "The new surcharges are similar to those charged in other communities. These speak directly to the regulatory requirements we are trying to meet and ensure that those who are the source of specific types of waste are paying their share to manage it."

Hauled waste rates apply to businesses that transport wastewater from locations outside the City's sewer service area and dispose of it directly at the Southwest or Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plants. These customers do not contribute to the collection system through monthly sewer bills, so their fees are intended to cover the cost of receiving, handling, and treating these wastes.

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Kemper notes that hauled waste has historically been a small part of their treatment process, but a dramatic increase in hauled volumes has prompted them to complete a detailed rate analysis. This analysis aims to better align these charges with the actual cost of service. Hauled waste fees have not been updated since 2006, even as treatment costs and regulatory requirements have increased. To ensure fair cost recovery and reflect the different treatment needs of each waste type, the City recommends adopting a revised hauled waste rate structure and phasing in new fees over three years.

Environmental Services plans to present an official rate proposal to City Council in February, allowing several months for customers to plan and budget appropriately before changes take effect on July 1. Kemper assures that public outreach will begin immediately to ensure that residents, businesses, and wholesale partners understand the proposed adjustments and reasons behind them.

For more information on proposed sewer rate increases, interested individuals can visit springfieldmo.gov/wastewater. Those with questions or comments about proposed increases can complete a feedback form at springfieldmo.gov/sewerfeedback. In case of immediate sewer issues, customers can call 417.864.1923 for assistance.

Environmental Services remains dedicated to providing excellent customer service and is committed to keeping rates as low as possible while meeting regulatory obligations and efficiently operating and maintaining the community's critical wastewater infrastructure.

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