BENTON, Mo. -- The Scott County Commission is taking steps toward the formation of a rural water district for the county.

John Chittenden of Waters Engineering Inc. in Sikeston, Mo., met with county commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday and provided information on how to proceed with the formation of a rural water district.

With the potential for around 5,000 customers, a Scott County rural water district could end up being "one of the biggest water districts in the state," he said.

All three current rural water districts are "relatively small," Chittenden said, and they purchase their water from Sikeston.

"Most of the water districts in this region are paying $30 per month on average usage," he said.

Joining the water district would be voluntary.