EUREKA PIPELINE PROJECT – WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS COMING SOON!

Project Overview (as of September 2024)

Eureka’s drinking water is currently supplied by local groundwater wells. The new pipeline under construction will connect Eureka to surface water supplied from the Missouri River and processed at Missouri American Water’s Central Plant in Maryland Heights.

Construction of the over 6-mile pipeline connecting Missouri American Water’s water supply to Eureka is nearly complete. Beginning in November, customers will transition to the water supply that is currently serving our St. Louis County customers. Construction of the pipeline began in fall 2022 and is expected to take 24-30 months.

Missouri American Water has committed to invest more than $37 million in the city’s water and wastewater systems over the next ten years to improve the city’s water quality, upgrade aging infrastructure, and maintain regulatory compliance.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION & PREFERENCES

To be sure you will receive notification of both emergency and planned work, provide a phone and/or email address via MyWater or by calling 1-866-430-0820. You can report possible water main breaks or water emergencies via our website or in your MyWater account.

STEP 1: Log in to or sign up for MyWater at amwater.com/mywater.
STEP 2: Click the Edit Info button.
STEP 3: Click the Change button under Alert Settings.
Note: Standard text, data and phone rates may apply.

What you need to know about your new water supply:

Transitioning from the current water source to the new water supply will be introduced in phases beginning in November and continuing through spring. We will work as quickly as possible to complete the transition, however variables like weather or water main breaks may create delays.

To provide the highest quality water possible, crews will flush the entire water system by pressure zone. Flushing will occur as the new water supply is transitioned. Customers will be notified via our alert system when flushing will occur in their area.

Click here to view our interactive map and search by address to see the project phases!

What you need to know about hydrant flushing:

Residents will be notified via our customer alert system prior to work taking place. Please make sure your contact information is up to date via your MyWater account or by calling 1-866-430-0820.

Hydrant flushing is a standard practice in our operations allowing us to continue the delivery of quality water. When crews are working in your area, you may notice reduced pressure or discolored water. If your water is discolored, run the cold water taps only, at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear. If discolored water occurs, please also refrain from doing laundry during that time. This is normal during periods of flushing and the water remains safe to consume. If your water remains cloudy after flushing internal plumbing, you can report it through your MyWater account or by calling 1-800-272-1325.

You may also experience temporary service interruptions created by water main breaks as pressure in the water system will fluctuate. You can report possible water main breaks or water emergencies via our website or in your MyWater account.

With a new pipeline providing a new source of water supply, you may also experience an increase in water pressure within your home or business. For more information on this, click here. It is the responsibility of the customer to make any changes necessary, including the installation of a pressure reducing valve if pressure exceeds 80psi, at their own expense. This is stated in our rules and regulations set by the Missouri Public Service Commission.

Customers will receive an informational postcard in early October 2024 regarding the upcoming water supply transition and flushing.

Important News About Your Water Quality

With the transition of water supply, the Eureka water system will be using chloramines instead of free chlorine as the primary source of water treatment. This change is being driven to meet federal regulations for drinking water. Below you will find some commonly asked questions regarding the use of chloramines.

Are Chloramines Safe?

Chloramination is a common disinfection process used by the water industry in which a small amount of ammonia in water is added to chlorine in water at the end of our treatment process. The EPA widely accepts chloramines as an effective treatment to prevent the waterborne transmission of parasites that are capable of causing sickness. Over 75% of Missouri American Water customers consume water treated by chlorination.

How does the transition to chloramines affect our drinking water?

People use chlorinated water in all the same ways for drinking, bathing, cooking, cleaning and watering lawns and gardens. The only change that customers might notice is a reduced taste and odor of chlorine which is often touted as an improvement in water quality.

If you prefer, products are available that reduce or remove chloramine, such as home treatment systems and water filters. We recommend that you visit the National Sanitation Foundation’s (NSF) Web site, where NSF provides information on in-home filters that remove chloramine and chlorine.

When will this change take place?

The treatment with chloramines will begin in November as the system is transitioned in phases. Most customers will notice a reduction in the taste and/or odor of chlorine. No other changes should be noticeable.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR KIDNEY DIALYSIS PATIENTS AND FISH OWNERS

Although the use of chloramine is proven to be safe, kidney dialysis patients and fish owners must take special care not to use water directly from the tap. As with chlorine, chloramine must be removed from water that is used in the kidney dialysis process and from water that is used in fish tanks or ponds. You will find more information on the steps to take here.