Missouri American Water Urges Customers to Prepare for Cold Weather

Rhea-AI Summary

Missouri American Water (NYSE:AWK) on Dec. 4, 2025 urged customers to prepare for freezing temperatures with practical steps to avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs.

Key actions include: locate and tag the main shut-off valve, test the valve, insulate exposed pipes, drain sprinkler systems, seal drafts near water lines, and allow a small trickle of water when below freezing. Additional tips cover thermostat settings for away periods, using freeze alarms, and safe thawing procedures. Customers with lead or galvanized service lines are encouraged to check replacement options.

News Market Reaction

-1.56%

1 alert

-1.56% News Effect

On the day this news was published, AWK declined 1.56%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Thermostat setting: 55 degrees Freeze alarm trigger: 45 degrees Ball valve turn: Quarter turn

3 metrics

Thermostat setting 55 degrees Recommended setting when customers are away from home

Freeze alarm trigger 45 degrees Temperature at which freeze alarm calls user-selected number

Ball valve turn Quarter turn Typical rotation needed to close a ball valve

Market Reality Check

Price: $125.83 Vol: Volume 2,030,471 is below...

normal vol

$125.83 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,030,471 is below the 20-day average of 2,318,030. normal

Technical Price at 130.09 is trading below the 200-day MA of 140.16.

Peers on Argus

AWK gained 0.44% while peers were mixed: WTRG up 0.61%, AEE, ATO, DTE and FE dow...

AWK gained 0.44% while peers were mixed: WTRG up 0.61%, AEE, ATO, DTE and FE down between 0.17% and 1.59%, indicating stock-specific trading rather than a broad sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 05 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 05	Drought warning notice	Neutral	-0.8%	Statewide drought warning prompted mandatory water conservation guidance.
Dec 05	Dividend declaration	Positive	+0.4%	Quarterly cash dividend of $0.8275 per share with 2025 increase continuation.
Dec 04	Cold weather advisory	Neutral	+0.4%	New Jersey winter pipe protection and conservation tips amid drought watch.
Dec 04	Cold weather advisory	Neutral	-1.6%	System-wide guidance on preventing and safely thawing frozen pipes.
Dec 04	Cold weather advisory	Neutral	-1.6%	Missouri-focused instructions to test shut-off valves and insulate pipes.

Pattern Detected

Recent operational and customer advisory releases, including cold weather preparation notices, have been associated with modest, mixed price reactions, while the dividend announcement aligned with a small positive move.

Recent Company History

Over early December 2025, American Water-related entities issued several customer-focused advisories, including cold weather pipe protection notices in New Jersey and Missouri and a statewide drought-related conservation notice in New Jersey. These items saw modest price moves in both directions. A quarterly dividend declaration of $0.8275 per share on Dec 5, 2025 coincided with a 0.44% gain. Overall, the trajectory blends routine operational communication with shareholder returns, and today’s Missouri-focused advisory fits within that pattern of service-focused updates.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement provides practical guidance for Missouri customers to prevent frozen pipes, includ...

Analysis

This announcement provides practical guidance for Missouri customers to prevent frozen pipes, including locating and testing the main shut-off valve, insulating exposed lines, and maintaining indoor temperatures at around 55 degrees when away. It mirrors recent winter-preparedness communications from other American Water subsidiaries and does not introduce new financial or regulatory information. Investors may mainly view it as routine operational outreach supporting service reliability and system integrity during colder months.

Key Terms

main water shut-off valve, gate valves, heat tape, freeze alarm

4 terms

main water shut-off valve technical

"Locate your main water shut-off valve. In many homes, it is located..."

The main water shut-off valve is the primary control that stops water flow into a building, typically where the utility line enters the property. For investors in real estate or businesses, it matters because quick access and a working valve can prevent or limit costly water damage, reduce operational downtime and lower repair and liability risk. Knowing its location and condition is a basic maintenance and risk-management step—like having a circuit breaker for a building’s plumbing.

gate valves technical

"Gate valves are generally closed by turning the handle clockwise..."

Gate valves are devices used to control the flow of liquids or gases through a pipe by raising or lowering a gate or barrier inside the valve. They are important because they can quickly start or stop flow, helping manage supply and demand in industries like energy and manufacturing. For investors, understanding gate valves provides insight into the health and activity levels of sectors that rely on fluid control technology.

heat tape technical

"Where pipes are exposed to cold, wrap them with insulation or heat tape..."

Heat tape is a type of electrical heating element often used to prevent pipes or surfaces from freezing or becoming too cold. It works like a blanket of warmth wrapped around pipes or other equipment, ensuring they stay at a safe temperature. For investors, understanding heat tape highlights how small, targeted solutions can prevent costly damage or disruptions, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures in managing risks.

freeze alarm technical

"Consider purchasing a freeze alarm. The alarm will call a user-selected..."

A freeze alarm is a device that detects drops in temperature and alerts owners or authorities when conditions become dangerously cold. It helps prevent damage caused by freezing, such as burst pipes or equipment failures, by providing early warnings. For investors, it signals the importance of monitoring and protecting assets from environmental risks that could lead to significant losses.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Tips to Protect Pipes Before Freezing Temperatures

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As winter approaches, Missouri American Water reminds customers to prepare their homes and businesses, providing handy tips to help avoid costly repairs and unwanted stress from frozen water pipes this season.

"As temperatures drop, a little preparation goes a long way. Protecting your home's plumbing now helps ensure reliable water service all winter. Locate your main shut-off valve, insulate exposed pipes, and stay alert to prevent costly damage," said Jody Carlson, Vice President of Operations for Missouri American Water. "Taking these simple steps helps prevent frozen pipes, protect your home or business, and keep water flowing safely all season."

Prepare now:

• Locate your main water shut-off valve. In many homes, it is located near the water meter or close to where the water pipe enters the home. Hang an I.D. tag on the valve so it can be found quickly during an emergency. Download a tag to print by visiting https://amwater.com/corp/Customers-and-Communities/Wise-Water-Use/cold-weather-protection.
• Test your main water shut-off valve: Once located, test the shut-off valve by closing it. Once completely closed, check sinks and other water fixtures to ensure the shut-off valve is working properly.
  • Ball valves generally only require a quarter turn to close.
  • Gate valves are generally closed by turning the handle clockwise and should turn easily.
  • If the valve does not close easily, it may need to be serviced.
  • Bonus: While you are there, check your incoming water service line material! Missouri American Water is working with customers to identify their service line material. If they are found to be made of lead or galvanized steel, customers can schedule to have them replaced. Visit http://www.Missouriamwater.com/leadfacts for more information.
• Check sprinkler or irrigation systems: Make sure everything is turned off and fully drained.

Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines: Check for pipes in areas that might be prone to freezing, such as crawl spaces, unheated rooms, basements, garages, and exterior walls. Fix drafty windows, insulate walls around pipes and plug drafts around doors.

• Protect your pipes: Where pipes are exposed to cold, wrap them with insulation or heat tape (even fabric or newspaper can help).

When temperatures stay below freezing:

• Give pipes a helping hand: If pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the doors to let warmer room temperatures flow in.
• Keep water moving through the pipes: Allow a small trickle of water to run. The cost of the extra water is typically lower than the cost of repairing a broken pipe.

When customers are away from home, consider the following:

• Set your thermostat at 55 degrees to prevent freezing.
• Have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check the property to help ensure the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen.
• Consider purchasing a freeze alarm. The alarm will call a user-selected phone number if the inside temperature drops below 45 degrees.

If your pipes freeze:

• Shut off the water immediately: Don't attempt to thaw pipes without turning off the main water shut-off valve.
• Thaw a frozen pipe by warming the air around it: Do not leave space heaters unattended and avoid using kerosene heaters or open flames.
• Carefully turn the water back on: Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for any cracks or leaks.

Find more cold weather protection tips, visit https://www.amwater.com/moaw/Water-Wastewater-Information/cold-weather-protection!

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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 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, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.6 million people. For more, visit missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

What cold-weather actions did Missouri American Water (AWK) recommend on Dec. 4, 2025?

Locate and tag the main shut-off valve, test it, insulate exposed pipes, drain sprinklers, seal drafts, and let a small trickle run when below freezing.

How should AWK customers test their main water shut-off valve?

Close the valve fully and check sinks and fixtures for no flow; ball valves need a quarter turn, gate valves turn clockwise.

What should AWK customers do if they have lead or galvanized service lines?

Check service line material and schedule a replacement if found to be lead or galvanized by visiting the company's lead facts resource.

What temperature and precautions does AWK suggest when customers are away from home?

Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees, have someone check the property regularly, or install a freeze alarm that triggers below 45 degrees.

What safe steps does AWK advise if pipes freeze?

Shut off the main water valve before thawing, warm the air around the pipe (avoid open flames), then slowly restore water and inspect for leaks.

Where can AWK customers find more cold-weather protection tips?

Visit the company's cold-weather protection pages at amwater.com/moaw or the cold-weather protection section on amwater.com for printable resources.