Independence

A reliable water supply is essential to every community's success. It attracts businesses and investments while contributing to residents' health and safety in numerous ways, from preventing disease to supporting fire protection.

The Independence Water Department has maintained its commitment to providing clean water since 1883. Since 1956, when the Courtney Bend Water Treatment Plant opened, the City of Independence has utilized groundwater from wells rather than Missouri River water. Today, the facility operates 38 wells on both sides of the Missouri River with capacity to deliver up to 24 million gallons daily.

We currently serve approximately 250,000 people including Independence residents and 12 wholesale customers. Our infrastructure includes maintenance of 761 miles of water mains (ranging from 2" to 36" diameter), nearly 5,000 fire hydrants, and customer service for over 50,000 utility accounts across electric, water and sewer services.

Did you know that as an Independence Water customer, you're enjoying some of the finest-tasting water nationwide? For six of the past seven years, Independence water has placed in the top five at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition, evaluated on appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel and aftertaste. This year, we earned 6th place!

To improve customer service, we're implementing a new utility billing system. You'll soon notice changes to your bill's appearance - it will arrive in a 6"x 9" envelope, so watch for it! If you haven't received your bill, misplaced it, or have questions about the new format, please contact our customer service team at (816)325-7930. You can also visit our office at 17221 East 23rd Street South Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).

Thank you for allowing us to provide your family with our most precious resource: water! If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

-Dan Montgomery, Water Systems Director

Lead in Drinking Water: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Independence Water Department provides high-quality drinking water but cannot control the materials used in plumbing components.

When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead in your water, consider having it tested. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).