NOVEMBER ELECTION - Water Proposal
Posted on 10/14/2024


Water System Improvements
Proposed Rate Increase
Voters Decide – November 2024

Schedule a plant tour to learn more!  573-334-6747

💧 Update Water Treatment
Replace critical infrastructure at the plant to continue producing high-quality water at higher volumes.

💧 Improve Distribution
Replace aging water mains and reduce main break frequency, replace old pipes.

💧 Keep Cape Water Safe, Clean, and Reliable
Increase $8-$14/month for most households

Estimate Your Potential Increase

Find your typical usage on your water bill, and use the chart to find the average current bill and proposed average monthly increase. 
Propsoed Water Bill Increase
Estimated commercial and residential rates were attached the 8/5/24 Council agenda (read more). 89% of all customers (residential and commercial) will pay under $14 extra/month for the improvements.

Water Plant Virtual Tour


Water Proposal Complete Presentation to Council

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink now? Yes! The change in source water caused the treatment process to slow, reducing production. We have a quantity problem, not a quality problem.

Is something wrong with the source water? The water has been more challenging to treat. There are naturally occurring substances that develop in our source water, which the water treatment plant routinely treats to remove. Environmental changes have slowed down the treatment process, limiting the flow through the plant.

What happens if the ballot issue does not pass? Shortages would be likely, and a quality decline would be possible. If voters decline the improvement plan and rate increase, we will still do emergency repairs. Over time, our system will become increasingly less reliable and we’ll need to consider water conservation.

How much will it cost? Significant improvements are already underway. During the next 8 years, the investment in plant and distribution improvements will be $56 million. Improvements expected to occur beyond 2033 total $64 million.

How much will my rates increase? Most water customers (89%) can expect to see a monthly increase ranging between $8.19 and $13.89 (based on usage).

Why doesn’t the City get state or federal grant money? The acceptable national standard Affordability Index (AI) for water is 1.0 percent. This means the average household using 5,000 gallons of water per month pays 1% of its income to pay the water bill. Various state and federal funding sources look at a city’s AI to determine if its residents are paying their part. The City’s current AI is 0.76, meaning our rates are too low to qualify for state or federal grants to help with our funding needs.

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Water Mailer

Ballot Language


Nov. 5, 2024 - BALLOT LANGUAGE Shall the City of Cape Girardeau raise water rates and fees for the purpose of funding necessary improvements and maintenance of the water system such that during the current fiscal year the increase exceeds five (5) percent and shall Section 29-213 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, be amended establishing new water rates and fees effective January 1, 2025, resulting, based on current usage, in an increase in the current fiscal year ranging between $8.19 and $13.89 per month for 89% of water customers?