Eureka Pipeline Project Update– Transition to New Water Source Begins January 2025
Transition to the water supply that is currently serving our St. Louis County customers is underway. It will take several weeks for the new water supply to reach all customers in the Eureka system. This means, the change may not be noticed immediately but will become more noticeable in stages throughout the process.
Missouri American Water is currently supplying water through the new 20” pipeline to approximately 60% of the customers in Eureka. Only two wells remain online daily. These are the wells at the storage tanks in the Legends and Arbors subdivisions. Three storage tanks remain to be transitioned, and we are working to supply them from the new pipeline in the coming weeks.
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 can cause sickness. Over 75% of Missouri American Water customers consume water treated by chloramination.
How does the transition to chloramines affect our drinking water?
People use chloraminated 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 chloramines, 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 water coming from St. Louis County has been treated with chloramines. The change will occur as the new source of water makes its way through the system of underground water pipes in Eureka. 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 chloramines 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, chloramines must be removed from water used in the kidney dialysis process and from water used in fish tanks or ponds. You will find more information on the steps to take here.
In conjunction with the introduction of a new source of water, crews will begin flushing the entire water system. This will continue through early spring. We will work as quickly as possible to complete the transition, but variables like weather or water main breaks may cause delays.
Click here to view our interactive map and search by address to see the transition phases.
What you need to know about hydrant flushing:
Residents who have opted to receive notifications for planned work 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 water main breaks or water emergencies via our website or in your MyWater account.
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION & PREFERENCES
Customers who have a phone or email on an account will automatically be notified in a water emergency, however, all customers must opt-in to receive planned work alerts such as flushing in your neighborhood. Customers may do so through their MyWater account or by calling 1-866-430-0820.
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.
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. The customer is responsible for making any changes necessary, including installing 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.