Annual State Water Fee to Increase
Posted on 03/07/2022
Public water systems are required to collect a primacy fee from their customers for remittance to Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MODNR). The primacy fee is a user fee paid by customers of the state's public water supply systems. This annual fee supports the MODNR's efforts to ensure Missourians are provided safe drinking water. The restructured fees, which went into effect January 1, 2022, are based on the size of the customer's connections (see chart below}. City of Cape Girardeau forwards the fees to the MODNR to fund the Missouri Public Drinking Water Program.

Meter Size

Prior Fee Amount

Prorated Fee Amount for 2022

Full Fee Amount for 2023

5/8"

$2.16

$3.92

$4.80

3/4"

$2.16

$3.92

$4.80

1"

$2.16

$3.92

$4.80

1 1/2"

$7.44

$16.48

$21.00

2"

$7.44

$16.48

$21.00

3"

$41.16

$81.72

$102.00

4"

$41.16

$81.72

$102.00

6"

$82.44

$159.48

$198.00



MODNR established the new fee rates by amending rule 10 CCSR 60-16 Drinking Water Fees, consistent with the process outlined in 640.100 RSMo. The process included holding a series of stakeholder meetings to reach a consensus proposal, presenting the consensus proposal to the Safe Drinking Water Commission for approval, and promulgating the proposal through regulation. The rulemaking process also included a public comment period and a public hearing to give the public a chance to provide input prior to the Commission's adoption of the Order of Rulemaking. The final language of the rule was published in the November 30, 2021, publication of the Code of State Regulations. You may find additional information on this process on the Department's Fee stakeholder webpage.

The Primacy Fees are charged once per year and placed on the May bill, along with the yearly Sewer Fees. The Sewer Fees are not increasing at this time.

For more information on Water fees, contact dnr.mo.gov/water, call 573-751-6723, or email [email protected].