BRANSON – November 12, 2026 -- Customers of Stone County Public Water Supply District No. 1 (PWSD #1) voted on November 3 to sell their water system to Missouri American Water, with nearly 78% in favor, according to official election results. Missouri law requires a two-thirds majority, so the result cleared the threshold by about 11 percentage points.
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), has committed to invest at least $5 million during the first five years of ownership. For the roughly 840 customers involved, that works out to about $5,950 per customer, by FairsOnline's calculation.
Missouri American Water commits at least $5 million to leaks, mains and fire flow
The investment starts only after approval by the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) and the financial closing of the sale. The company lists four priorities: significant system leaks and water loss, undersized water mains, fire flow capacity, and water quality monitoring and testing.
Spread evenly over the five-year period, the minimum commitment equals about $1 million a year, or roughly $1,190 per customer annually. The company did not disclose the purchase price.
Customers will also gain 24/7 emergency support, online account management and bill payment assistance programs, the company says.
PWSD #1 board president says district size limited what it could fund
Jesse Deets, board president of PWSD #1, said the system faces infrastructure needs that would have been difficult for a district of its size to address. He said the vote gives the system access to outside expertise and resources for fire protection and reliability.
Rebecca Losli, president of Missouri American Water, said the result allows the company to proceed with investments in reliability, fire protection and infrastructure. Missouri American Water serves approximately 1.7 million people and has more than 700 employees, according to the company.
Missouri American Water plans its MoPSC filing before the end of 2026
The sale remains subject to regulatory approval. Missouri American Water plans to file its application with the MoPSC before the end of the year. If the commission approves, approximately 840 water customers in Stone County will become Missouri American Water customers.