Mo. Rev. Stat. § 91.610
Every such city shall pay just compensation for all private property taken or damages for public use for the purposes necessary for the construction or extension or efficient operation of its waterworks, and such compensation may be ascertained in proceedings therefor, as far as practicable, in the same manner as is prescribed in the general law of this state for the appropriation and valuation of lands taken for telegraph, telephone, gravel and plank or railroad purposes, being chapter 523. Upon paying to the clerk of the circuit court the amount of damages awarded to the party in whose favor the same may be assessed, the city shall have the right to enter upon and take possession of the property, notwithstanding the filing of exceptions to such award; and any subsequent proceedings shall only affect the amount of compensation to be allowed.
§ 91.610, RSMo