Press Release · American Water
Voters in Stone County Approve Sale of Water System to Missouri American Water
Distributed by News Today Lines · Originally issued via PR Newswire
BRANSON, Mo., Nov. 12, 2026 — On November 3, customers of Stone County Public Water Supply District No. 1 (PWSD #1) voted to approve the sale of the water system to Missouri American Water. Nearly 78% of voters in the district approved the system sale subject to regulatory approval, well above the two-thirds majority required under Missouri law, according to official election results.
"We are grateful to the customers of PWSD #1 of Stone County for their vote of confidence in Missouri American Water and their support for a stronger water future for their community," said Rebecca Losli, president of Missouri American Water. "This strong show of support allows us to move forward with the investments and expertise needed to improve reliability, strengthen fire protection and address critical infrastructure needs. We look forward to welcoming these customers and delivering the safe, reliable water service they deserve for generations to come."
Following approval by the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) and the financial closing of the sale, Missouri American Water will begin advancing priority improvements to the PWSD #1 water system, with a commitment to invest at least $5 million during the first five years of ownership. Planned improvements include addressing significant system leaks and water loss, upgrading undersized water mains, improving fire flow capacity, and enhancing water quality monitoring and testing. Customers will also gain access to 24/7 emergency support, online account management and bill payment assistance programs.
"This vote was ultimately about securing the best possible future for the customers we serve," said Jesse Deets, board president or PWSD #1 of Stone County. "Our water system faces significant infrastructure needs that would have been difficult for a district of our size to address. By approving this acquisition, voters opened the door to the expertise and resources needed to improve fire protection, reliability, and provide a more sustainable water system for years to come. I appreciate everyone who took the time to learn about the proposal and make their voice heard."
Missouri American Water plans to submit an application for review and approval of the acquisition to the MoPSC before the end of the year. If the MoPSC approves the acquisition, approximately 840 water customers in Stone County will become customers of Missouri American Water.
SOURCE American Water
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Missouri American Water
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with over 700 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.7 million people.
For more, visit missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.