2021 Sewer Rate Benchmarking Survey

The Department of Environmental Services recently completed a study of wastewater rates across the Midwest, and it turns out that Springfield citizens pay less than their neighbors.

The study was conducted based on 2021 sewer rates and includes comparisons across several Missouri cities as well as a number of similar-sized cities in the Midwest. The study showed that, on average, Springfield residents pay 18% less than residents in other cities in Missouri. The average Springfield residential sewer bill in 2021 was $37.63 per month, which is $8.33 per month less than the average.

Commercial sewer customers include businesses like restaurants, shops, and offices.  In Springfield, these customers typically pay 41% less than the Missouri average. The study also looked at large industrial customers who produce substantial amounts of wastewater.  These customers pay 26% less than the average industrial customer in other cities.

The City’s sewer department is funded entirely through sewer rates and these rates must reflect the long-term cost to provide reliable service and meet the City’s regulatory obligations, like the Overflow Control Plan. Believe it or not, sewer rates can be too low, resulting in neglect of this vital infrastructure.  

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. Based on the community's Integrated Planning efforts, we will continue to focus our citizen’s money on activities that maximize the benefit to our ratepayers while meeting our regulatory obligations.

Learn more about proposed rate increases. 

Asset 2Icons Opens in new window2021 benchmark  COMMUNITIES INCLUDED

MISSOURI CITIES:

Blue Springs • Columbia • Independence • Joplin • Kansas City • Lee's Summit • Nixa • O'Fallon • Ozark • Republic • Springfield • St. Peters • St. Charles • St. Joseph • St. Louis MSD


MIDWEST CITIES: 

Amarillo, TX • Brownsville, TX • Chattanooga, TN • Clarksville, TN • Denton, TX • Grand Prairie, TX • Jackson, MS • Joliet, IL • Killeen, TX • Knoxville, TN • Little Rock, AR • Midland, TX • Murfreesboro, TN • Napersville, IL • Overland Park, KS • Pasadena, TX • Sioux Falls, SD


Asset 4IconsSTUDY RESULTS  AT A GLANCE!

Results of the benchmarking survey indicate that:

RESIDENTIAL:

  • Springfield’s monthly residential cost is 18% less than average cities in Missouri and 14% less than average Midwest cities.

COMMERCIAL:

  • Springfield’s monthly commercial cost is 41% less than average cities in Missouri and 43% less than average Midwest cities.

INDUSTRIAL:

  • Springfield’s monthly industrial cost is 26% less than average cities in Missouri and 13% less than average Midwest cities.