DAVENPORT, IA (May 1, 2024) – Iowa American Water filed a rate request today with the Iowa
Utilities Board (IUB) reflecting more than $157 million in water and wastewater system
improvements from October 2021 through March 2026 to continue providing clean, safe, reliable
and affordable service. The request reinforces the company’s commitment to investing in its water
and wastewater systems to replace aging infrastructure, meet water quality and environmental
regulations, provide resiliency of operations, increase fire protection and meet customers’ other
water and wastewater service needs.
“We carefully plan and invest in the infrastructure of our water and wastewater systems that
provide service to approximately 225,000 people in nine eastern Iowa communities,” said Randy
Moore, president of Iowa American Water. “By making prudent, ongoing investments, Iowa
American Water is committed to protecting public health and safety in the communities we serve.
At the same time, we remain committed to addressing the needs of our most vulnerable
customers.”
Iowa American Water’s investment includes replacing aging water mains and critical infrastructure
at its water treatment plants and facilities to comply with regulations, expanding water storage for
additional resiliency, replacing lead and galvanized service lines, and upgrading wastewater
systems to meet environmental regulations throughout the company’s service areas.
The company’s last general rate case was filed with the IUB in August 2020, and a final order was
issued by the IUB on June 28, 2021. Those rates were effective October 11, 2021. Since then, the
company has made and will make over $157 million in capital investments.
In addition, the company is taking steps to address the issue of affordability and is proposing a
Customer Affordability Program, which if approved by the IUB, would provide a 20 to 80 percent
monthly bill reduction for income-eligible customers. Currently, Iowa American Water offers
customer assistance through its Project H2O – Help to Others program, payment plans and budget
billing. To request assistance through Project H2O, customers can call Community Action of
Eastern Iowa at (563) 243-5220 in Clinton or (563) 324-3236 in the Iowa Quad Cities. Information
about this as well as payment plans and budget billing is available at the company’s website.
Iowa American Water’s rates are based on the cost of providing water and wastewater service as
reviewed and approved by the IUB. If the company’s proposed rates are approved as requested,
the water bill for the average residential customer using 4,000 gallons per month would increase
by approximately $22.00 per month, while the average residential wastewater bill in Blue Grass
would increase by approximately $25.00 per month, and in Donahue, the monthly wastewater bill
would increase by approximately $28.00 per month.
The IUB will conduct an extensive review of Iowa American Water’s rate application before making
its final decision, likely in Spring 2025. Since the process can take up to ten months for a decision
to be rendered in the case, Iowa American Water will put a portion of the requested increase into
effect on May 11, 2024, as an interim rate increase while its full request is considered by the IUB.
These interim rates may be subject to refund with interest based on the IUB’s decision.
Public hearings and opportunities for public comment are also part of the process and are
scheduled in the company’s service areas under the direction of the IUB. For more information on
the company’s rate proposal and to find out what actions customers may take, visit
iowaamwater.com and select “Your Water and Wastewater Rates” under the Customer Service &
Billing menu.
