COMO Safe Water Coalition

02/19/2026

Let's clarify some things...

* Our disinfection methods won't be better. They'll be the same, just with newer equipment.

* While there will be some improved removal of "dirt" in the water aka "natural chemicals" as referred to, there will not be removal of most contaminants of concern like PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater indicators.

* Production isn't increasing from 24 MGD to 32 MGD, it is being restored. The plant was already built at 32 MGD but was allowed to fall into disrepair. So we the ratepayers helped to fund this repair. The City patting themselves on the back for this is ludicrous.

* COVID didn't cause the project to be delayed and therefore prompting an increase in construction costs. The City's inability to complete utility projects effectively is the reason. Other communities proceeded with projects during COVID just fine.

* Such a joke to say they delayed the project instead of raising rates. Rates have been raised. Project costs were never coming down. There was no looking out for ratepayers.

* The filters may be rebuilt, but there will be no granular activated carbon in them. They won't clean out the contaminants of highest concern.

* Much cleaner water for several decades? We still will not have eliminated chloramine disinfection. The necessity of having to continue to disinfect with chloramine means the water isn't clean.

* Artificial, non-pharmaceutical grade fluoride will still be added. Brand new equipment for hazardous material that contributes to lower IQ in children.

There may be new equipment, but there is no new vision for the water quality of Columbia.

Upgrades to The McBaine Water Treatment Plant are on track to wrap up in August and improve Columbia's water quality.

09/17/2025

We're recognizing 9 years of serving our community today.

No matter what has (or hasn't) happened, we know that our time has not been wasted when it comes to safe water for our community.

Catch our comments on KOMU tonight about water fluoridation!

08/18/2025

We attended the last City Council meeting to voice our concerns over the planned revenue increase for water rates. Council will hear additional comment tonight and vote. They will also discuss proposed electric rate increases.

If you are interested in speaking out about these, please attend tonight and make your voice heard.

Our stance continues to be that the inability to use past funding to complete infrastructure projects timely should not be the reason we are paying more. Failure to do their jobs shouldn't warrant a call for more money at every turn.

We did meet with the new utilities director, which is more than we can say for her predecessor. We outlined our priorities and will see how things progress.

Council has the ultimate authority, as they select the city manager who oversees all city operations. Council has failed continuously, and we don't see much hope for their involvement.

08/04/2025

Come on out tonight to the Council meeting to make your voice heard on the new water rate structure.
We'll be there!

Providing safe, reliable and affordable water is a priority for City of Columbia Utilities. The Water Utility is proposing a new water rate structure that will increase revenue 12% in Fiscal Year 2026. However, the City of Columbia expects water bills to decrease for

07/31/2025

Ahead of Council's water rate discussion, we offer this perspective.

City staff, council need to be more transparent about water rates | Guest Commentaries | columbiamissourian.com https://share.google/WzV7dLo5T23RUYlLZ

Columbia's local newspaper, providing the latest in news and sports for mid-Missouri.

07/24/2025

This will continue to be the case because there is zero accountability for Columbia Water & Light. There are multiple problems with the distribution system. The city is also using disinfection with chloramine which contributes to higher corrosion. Although we urged the city to rehab the water treatment plant so that chloramine would not have to be used, it was deemed too expensive, and that was before they wasted ratepayer funding by delaying the project excessively.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia says a water main break on 9th and Cherry Street Tuesday afternoon was caused by corrosion on a buried pipe. Utility spokesman Jason West said "while it is part of the oldest pipes downtown, this particular pipe may be pushing 75-years old. This was a fairly...