Kansas City Board of Public Utilities

Is your tap water safe to consume? Yes, it is! BPU's water quality consistently exceeds all federal and state standards. Government regulations include protocols and schedules to monitor water from source to tap. The Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) ensures that public water systems comply with regulations, follow monitoring schedules, and record results.

BPU's state-certified laboratory monitors the physical, chemical, and microbiological qualities of the utility's water. Additionally, the Operating Staff of the Nearman Water Treatment Plant is certified by KDHE. During 2017, BPU had no violations of federal or state drinking water regulations.

The Laboratory Services Division monitors water quality both as it leaves the treatment plant and at customer taps to ensure safety. Currently, there are 1,200 regular sampling sites throughout the community. To deliver high-quality water, BPU employs rigorous treatment processes to remove sediment, bacteria, parasites, and certain minerals.

Are Cryptosporidium and Giardia in my tap water?
These organisms have never been detected in BPU's treated water. The treatment process uses multiple barriers to prevent these parasites from appearing in finished water.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, some elderly, and infants may be particularly at risk. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers.

Water Quality Information
BPU regularly tests for contaminants in your water. The monitoring data presented is from January 1 to December 31, 2017. All water, including bottled water, can reasonably be expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

What you should know about lead in tap water
If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from materials associated with service lines and home plumbing. While BPU provides high-quality water, it cannot control plumbing components. When water sits for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

The value of your tap water
Water is one of our most precious natural resources and plays a critical role in daily life. BPU's safe, reliable water provides numerous benefits including public health protection, fire safety (with 6,242 hydrants maintained throughout the community), and economic support for local development.

Customer Responsibilities

1. As the property owner and consumer, you are responsible for notifying the Water & Sewer Department of any account status changes.
2. If planning to relocate, please contact our office within five (5) business days of your planned move.
3. For billing questions, contact our office at least fifteen (15) days before the due date to address any necessary changes before penalties apply.
4. If our Water Department cannot obtain a correct reading from the Radio Meter Reading Device or if the meter appears "stuck," we'll send a repair notice with your bill. Contact our office to schedule necessary meter repairs and obtain an accurate reading.

Hydrant Flushing

The city flushes water mains every spring and fall to remove sediment buildup. Flushing schedules are published on the Town's Website and in The Advertiser. Please note these notifications to prepare for brief service interruptions. Hydrants are typically flushed during late April and October. For more information, call our Water & Sewer Office at 477-9367 or the Department for Public Works at 477-6103.