A Watershed Moment: Eliminating 85% of Overflow Points
When it comes to improving water quality in the St. Louis region, every step forward is a victory for our community and the environment. Today, I'm elated to share that MSD Project Clear has successfully removed 85% of known overflow points in the wastewater system. This is a monumental achievement in our ongoing, 28-year, $7.2 billion program aimed at enhancing water quality and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
Celebrating Success: Watch Our Milestone Video
To give you a closer look at what this milestone means for our community and environment, we've put together a special video. It not only celebrates our collective achievement but also explains its significance in a way that's easy to understand. Click below to watch and share in our success.
A Decade of Targeted Improvements
This accomplishment didn't happen overnight. Over the past ten years, we've completed 247 targeted improvement projects. Eliminating 85% of known overflow points is not just a statistic; it's a game-changer that represents a tangible impact on the lives of our community members. This drastically reduces the risk of untreated wastewater overflow during major rain events—a concern that has grown with the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions.
Real Impact: From Basements to Ecosystems
But what does this mean for our customers, the residents of the St. Louis region? In practical terms, our work has led to a 25% reduction in basement backups, a common issue that many homeowners dread. Additionally, we've constructed more than 50 miles of new wastewater sewers. These improvements don't just affect our homes; they contribute to the broader ecosystem, ensuring that our local waterways are cleaner and healthier for everyone.
Financial Stewardship: Minimizing the Impact
We understand that large-scale projects like this can often lead to financial concerns among our customers. That's why we've been proactive in securing various funding methods to minimize the financial impact, including state and federal funding as well as voter-approved bonds. The continued trust and partnership of our customers has been invaluable in making this happen.
The Road Ahead
While this milestone is a significant achievement, our work is far from over. Our focus remains on not just improving the water environment but also adapting to the challenges posed by a changing climate. This work is not just about infrastructure; it's about the health and well-being of our community and the ecosystem we're a part of.
Parting Words
As we celebrate this significant milestone, it's crucial to remember that clean water and a healthy environment are not a given. These are conditions we often take for granted, but they are the result of concerted efforts, community support, and ongoing vigilance. Your role in this achievement has been invaluable, and it will be key to ensuring that we don't just meet but exceed our future goals. Here's to not taking clean water for granted and to achieving even greater milestones in the years to come.
