Arnold city officials are urging Starling Estates residents to limit water use now that sewer lines in that area have been capped and pumps are being used to empty them. Missouri American Water, which owns and operates the sewer system in Arnold, has capped the lines and begun pumping them in an effort to prevent sewer backups in the area.
“We are asking that you limit your use of water in the area to only what is needed to help make sure the pumps can keep up with the demand,” Arnold Police Chief Bob Shockey said in a written statement. “We will keep you updated on the situation on the city’s webpage (at arnoldmo.org).”
Shockey also said that city officials have met with Ameren, which isn’t planning to turn off electricity for the entire grid for the area north of Starling Airport Road, like it did during the flooding in late 2015 and early 2016. Instead, plans call for electricity to be turned off on a house-by-house, as-needed basis.
As of this morning (May 2), the National Weather Service was predicting that the Meramec River level at Arnold was expected to crest Wednesday (May 3) at 44.7 feet, which is more than 2.5 feet below the level in the historic flooding in December 2015, Shockey said.
“We are prepared for this and will keep an eye on the forecast for the river levels,” he said.
Shockey said the river would need to rise to 47 feet for water to cover I-55 in south St. Louis County, like it did in late 2015.
“The city or Ameren will contact homes personally if power is going to be turned off. Should you believe your power should be turned off, then contact the Emergency Operation Center,” he said.
The city has set up the Emergency Operation Center in the lower level of Arnold City Hall. For flood-related information, call the center at 636-282-6609.
Missouri American Water, which also owns and operates water service systems in the area, is asking customers in the Fenton and south St. Louis County areas, mainly those south of I-44, to conserve water usage “over the coming days” due to flooding along the Meramec River.
Because of that flooding, the company may need “to shut down its South Plant, which takes in water from the Meramec for distribution in south St. Louis,” Missouri American reported in a written statement. “Given current river level forecasts, South Plant may have to remain offline until Saturday (May 6).”
During that time some south St. Louis County customers “may experience lower than normal water pressures,” according to the statement.
However, the company says the quality of the drinking water is still good, “meeting or surpassing all state and federal regulations.”
While some Fenton and south St. Louis County customers may experience lower-than-normal water pressures for the next few days, The quality of drinking water is still good, “ meeting or surpassing all state and federal regulations,” Missouri American Water said.
Customers in the affected area are receiving automated calls, and the company is providing updates on its website and social media sites over the next few days.