Water Utilities > About Water Utilities

About Water Utilities

For over 100 years, Lee’s Summit Water Utilities has been dedicated to providing the City of Lee’s Summit with essential water, sanitary sewer and fire protection services, ensuring the health and safety of our community while supporting its future growth.

What began in 1916 with fewer than five miles of infrastructure has evolved into an extensive network of 639 miles of water mains and 480 miles of sanitary sewer lines, serving over 40,000 customer accounts across more than 70 square miles, including areas both within and outside the city limits.

Water Utilities can supply 32.5 million gallons per day through two primary suppliers - Kansas City and Independence - along with emergency connections to Tri-County Water Authority. This infrastructure positions us to meet the anticipated water needs of our community for decades to come. Wastewater is efficiently conveyed to the Little Blue Valley Sewer District for treatment and we focus on reducing inflow and infiltration (I&I) through strategic rehabilitation and maintenance efforts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines an anchor institution as a large organization that is rooted in a community and has a significant presence and influence on the local economy and social fabric. These institutions, such as universities, hospitals and water utilities, typically have a long-term commitment to the community and engage in practices that support local development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. They often leverage their resources, expertise and networks to drive positive change and support community initiatives.

As an anchor institution, Lee’s Summit Water Utilities plays a vital role in the community by:

Providing Essential Services: The water supply and wastewater management are crucial for public health and safety.
Fostering Community Stability: With a long-term commitment to the area, Water Utilities contributes to economic stability and builds trust among residents.
Creating Local Employment: Water Utilities supports the economy by hiring locally and partnering with nearby businesses.
Investing in Infrastructure: Water Utilities' ongoing investments enhance community resilience and promote sustainable development.
Engaging the Public: Water Utilities prioritizes outreach and education, ensuring residents have a voice in the decision-making processes.
Promoting Social Equity: Water Utilities is dedicated to programs that provide essential services to all residents.
Collaborating with Local Organizations: Water Utilities works alongside schools, government agencies and other institutions to address community needs.
Championing Environmental Stewardship: Water Utilities advocates for responsible management of natural resources and sustainability initiatives.

Through these efforts, Water Utilities serves as a foundational entity, enhancing the quality of life and resilience of the community.

Service Area

The service area for Lee's Summit Water Utilities encompasses nearly all of the area within the corporate city limits and includes some areas outside of the city limits.The total service area is over 70 square miles and serves over 34,000 homes and businesses.

Serving Our Community

The Lee’s Summit water system provides the community with drinking water and fire protection services to ensure the health, safety and future growth of our community. When the system was built in 1916 it could supply up to 75,000 gallons per day. Today our water system can supply 32.5 million gallons a day (MGD) and consistently exceeds federal water quality standards.

Water Utilities Timeline

1865

The City of Lee's Summit Incorporated

1916

First Water System Established

A 600,000-gallon reservoir is created on the corner of Chipman Road and Douglas Street.

1925

First Sewer System Installed

1960s

Water Contracts with Kansas City and Independence

Lee's Summit entered into water contracts with the cities to supply additional water.

1980s-1990s

System Expansions

With the steady growth of the City of Lee’s Summit, system expansions like water towers and water supply were established to accommodate citizens.

2018

The Water Utilities Service Center Opens

The facility features a customer service vestibule and welcome center, a field crew ready room, an office, a workspace for all employees, locker rooms, equipment, material storage facilities and parking for Water Utilities' vehicles. This was the first time Water Utilities housed all employees in one location.

2024

Water Utilities Achieves Accreditation

Water Utilities became accredited through the American Public Works Association in June 2024. This accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that Water Utilities complies with the recommended management practices set forth by the American Public Works Association.

Leadership

Jeremy Young

Assistant Director of Operations

The assistant director of operations oversees the planning, construction, operation, repair and maintenance of sanitary wastewater collection and water distribution systems. Key responsibilities include managing safety training and programs, overseeing emergency operations, and supervising the Duty Supervisor Program. This role is vital for ensuring efficient and safe water service operations.

Dom Bennett

Assistant Director of Customer Care

The Assistant Director of Customer Care oversees and coordinates the operations of the Customer Service department, focusing on community relations, customer and employee engagement. Key responsibilities include managing the strategic plan, driving organizational development, implementing employee training programs, and ensuring APWA accreditation compliance. This role is essential for enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering a positive organizational culture.

Brent Boice

Assistant Director of Business Services

The Assistant Director of Business Services leads and organizes all functions related to business services, including budget management, financial modeling, cost and revenue forecasting, inventory management, and departmental auditing. This role is crucial for developing long-term plans to improve resource efficiency and effectiveness. Additional responsibilities encompass budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) development, as well as cost analysis and rate setting.

Jeffrey Thorn

Director

The director of Water Utilities advises and assists the city manager and City Council in matters involving the delivery of water services. Specific responsibilities include determining overall departmental organization, mission, core services and allocation of financial, human and capital resources, developing and managing short and long-term department goals and priorities, coordinating capital projects, hiring, directing and evaluating departmental employees and preparing and administering annual capital and operating budgets.

Fire Protection

Water Utilities prioritizes reliable water for both daily needs and fire protection. Their efforts include testing more than 5,000 hydrants, maintaining pressure, and storing reserves. This dedication earned a near-perfect ISO rating of 38.6 out of 40, potentially lowering residential insurance premiums in the City.

We’re proud to work with the men and women of Lee’s Summit Fire Department to provide an essential public safety service to our community.

Water Utilities' Partnerships

The City purchases treated water from KC Water and Independence Water which can supply up to 32.5 million gallons a day. Suppliers draw from the Missouri River and water wells located near the river. The utility maintains an emergency connection from the Tri-County Water Authority. The City’s sewage is treated at the Little Blue Valley Sewer District, dispatching into the Missouri River.