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"Lee's Summit Water Utilities is pleased to provide the 2024 Water Quality Report. We have been serving our community for over 100 years and take great pride in the essential work being done each day to provide safe and reliable water and sanitary sewer services."

- Director of Water Utilities Mark Schaufler

Director's Message >

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Stakeholders,

Lee's Summit Water Utilities is pleased to provide the 2024 Water Quality Report. We have been serving our community for over 100 years and take great pride in the essential work being done each day to provide safe and reliable water and sanitary sewer services. This report demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our community has access to safe and clean drinking water every day.
Throughout the year, we have worked to ensure the integrity of our infrastructure, the efficiency of our operations and the safety of our water supply. This report highlights some of the most significant achievements made toward achieving these goals in 2023.

  • Adoption of the 2023 Water Utilities Strategic Plan - Input from various stakeholder groups was used to develop a plan, that provides the necessary guidance towards providing essential public services, ensuring sustainability, and resilience, and meeting the needs of current and future generations of customers.
  • Completion of the Water System Master Plan - We successfully concluded the implementation of the Water System Master Plan, a pivotal project aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of our water infrastructure. This comprehensive undertaking entailed a thorough evaluation of distribution, pumping and storage systems, coupled with an assessment of future water supply needs in alignment with projected demand forecasts. By providing insights into system capacity, operational efficiency and resource allocation, this plan serves as a foundational tool for prioritizing capital projects and optimizing infrastructure investments.
  • Customer Service Survey - The survey conducted by ETC Institute indicated that Water Utilities continues to deliver high overall customer satisfaction with the quality of water and the services we provide. I recognized the department’s continued focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Technology Upgrades - Embracing digital transformation, we have implemented an upgrade of our Customer Information System platform to streamline operations and enhance decision-making processes. These initiatives lay the foundation for a more agile, responsive and data-driven system poised for future growth and innovation.
  • The department also received two national awards for customer service. The first was the ETC Institute’s Leading the Way award recognizing our ranking in the top 10% of all municipalities surveyed regarding the quality of services provided, customer service and customer perceived value. Secondly, Advanced Utility Systems selected Lee’s Summit Water Utilities as a recipient of its 2023 Customer Service Excellence Award for providing outstanding service to its customers. Advanced Utility Systems provides customer information and billing solution software to 90 utilities across North America and the Caribbean, recognizing one utility or municipality with this award annually.

Of course, none of our achievements would be possible without our talented team's unwavering dedication and hard work. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our employees for their passion, professionalism and tireless efforts in ensuring the success of our mission.

As we reflect on the past year, we also recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Changing climates, aging infrastructure and evolving regulatory requirements present ongoing challenges that require proactive and collaborative solutions. Rest assured, we are fully committed to meeting these challenges head-on, guided by our commitment to excellence and steadfast dedication to serving you, our customers, to the best of our ability.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your continued trust and support. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve you and we remain fully committed to exceeding your expectations and delivering the exceptional service you deserve.

Thank you for your continued partnership and here's to a successful year ahead.

Kind Regards,

Mark Schaufler
Director of Water Utilities

Public Water System ID Number: MO1010459

Water Quality

In 2023, Water Utilities submitted 1,277 water samples for water quality testing. The test results demonstrated Lee's Summit's drinking water surpasses the water quality standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Lee's Summit Water Facility pond with water

The report summarizes the quality of the water and contains the most recent water supply test results as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996. Our water, purchased from Kansas City and Independence, meets or exceeds all federal and state standards set by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health. Refer to the chart in this report for a full list of monitoring results. Printed copies can be requested at 816.969.1900.

As required by law, all data in this report is from 2023. If a known health-related contaminant is not listed in this report it was not detected during testing.

Lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and groundwater wells are the source of drinking water (tap and bottled water). As water travels over the surface of land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and in some cases, radioactive material. It can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity.

Water Utilities obtains its water from the cities of Kansas City and Independence. In the event of a water emergency, the utility has connections with additional suppliers in the area. Independence supplies Lee's Summit with up to 7.5 million gallons of water daily from wells located near the Missouri River. Lee's Summit receives up to 25 million gallons of water a day from Kansas City. Water Utilities has secured sufficient water supply for the next few decades to meet the community's needs.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. 

Contaminants That May Be Present in Source Water

  • Microbial contaminants (viruses and bacteria). These may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.

  • Inorganic contaminants (salts and metals). These can be naturally occurring or caused by urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
  • Pesticides and herbicides may come from sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and residential uses.
  • Organic chemical contaminants (synthetic and volatile organic chemicals). These are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production. They also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems.
  • Radioactive contaminants can occur naturally or be caused by oil and gas production and mining activities. 

To ensure tap water is safe to drink the Department of Natural Resources prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Department of Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

More information about contaminants and potential health risks can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791.

   

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Protecting public health and the quality of drinking water is the utility's top priority. Lee's Summit is taking a proactive approach by educating residents about emerging contaminants like PFAS.

person filling glass of water at kitchen sink

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals found in many everyday items including firefighting foam, non-stick pans, raincoats, food wrappers and shampoo. These chemicals are a growing concern because they may be harmful to human health and linger in the environment forever. This means if they get into our water sources they could impact our drinking water for years to come.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new final rules in April 2024 to regulate five PFAS that may be found in water. They are PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS and GenX Chemicals. EPA will regulate four PFAS contaminants as a mixture: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA and PFBS. This new rule aims to ensure that drinking water across the United States is safe from PFAS contamination. Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and begin reporting levels by 2027 to reduce any excess PFAS to below the levels set by EPA’s regulation by 2029.

Lee's Summit purchases water from Kansas City and Independence. Both suppliers are committed to providing safe drinking water. Even before recent regulations on emerging contaminants like PFAS, these suppliers had testing programs in place. Their results have fallen below the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the time of testing. Both suppliers are working to ensure full compliance with the EPA's stricter PFAS regulations.

Most PFAS exposure (around 80-90%) comes from everyday items we use or the food we eat and not drinking water.

Here's how to limit exposure:

  • Check labels: Look for "perfluoro" or "polyfluoro" on household products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing and stain guards. Avoid these items if possible.

While public water supplies are generally safe, some people may be more sensitive to PFAS and should seek advice from a healthcare provider including:

  • Those with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Organ transplant recipients.
  • Anyone with HIV/AIDS or a weakened immune system.
  • The elderly or infants.
  • Those considered immunocompromised.

For specific information contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

   

Health Precautions

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.This includes those with: 

  • Weakened immune system due to chemotherapy, organ transplants, HIV/AIDS or other conditions. 
  • Age-related vulnerabilities (elderly).
  • Infant immune systems still under development.

If you fall into one of these categories, talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding drinking water. For more information on contaminants and potential health effects or to receive a copy of guidelines, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791.

Drop by Drop

For reference, here's how these amounts compare to everyday items:

Part Per Million
(PPM)

One Drop in a
Hot Tub = One PPM

 

Part Per Billion
(PPB)

One Drop in an Olympic 
Size Swimming Pool = 
One PPB
 

Part Per Trillion 
(PPT)

One Drop in a
Six-Acre Lake =
One PPT
 

 

The Water Details

Disinfection Byproducts

Substance (unit of measure) Monitoring Period Sample Point MCL (MRDL) MCLG (MRDLG) LRAA Range
Low-High		 Typical Source
Haloacetic Acids [HAA5] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-01 60 0 16 8.8 - 25.1 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Haloacetic Acids [HAA5] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-02 60 0 9 2.79 - 16.9 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Haloacetic Acids [HAA5] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-03 60 0 11 3.35 - 19.4 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Haloacetic Acids [HAA5] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-04 60 0 8 2.5 - 13.8 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-01 80 0 7 4.68- 9.55 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-02 80 0 5 1.62 - 9.82 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-03 80 0 5 1.63 - 8.71 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (ppb) 2023 DBPDUAL-04 80 0 4 1.68 - 8.53 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

Lead and Copper

Substance (unit of measure) Sample 
Period		 Violation 90%
Tile		 Range
Low - High		 AL Sites
Over AL		 Typical Source
Copper (ppm) 2021 - 2023 No 0.006 0.00127 - 0.00919 1.3 0 Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Lead (ppb) 2021 - 2023 No 0 0 15 0 Corrosion of household plumbing systems

 

Microbiological

Substance (unit of measure) MCLG
[MRDLG]		 Violation Result MCL
[MRDL]		 Typical Source
Coliform (total coliform rule) 0 No In the month of December, .97% of samples 
returned as positive		 Treatment Technique
Trigger		 Naturally present in the environment

 

Violations and Health Effects Information

During the 2023 calendar year, we had the below-noted violations(s) of drinking water regulations.

Compliance Period Type Reason for Violation
6/8/23 - 9/19/23 Public Notice Rule Linked to Violation Public notification certification was not received by State within designated time period.

 

Special Lead and Copper Notice

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Lee's Summit PWS is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1.800.426.4791 or at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Reseller Regulated Contaminants

          Independence Water Kansas City Water  
Substance (unit of measure) Year Sampled Violation MCL [MRDL] MCLG [MRDLG] Highest Detected Range
Low-High		 Highest Detected Range
Low-Hight		 Typical Source
Atrazine (ppb) 2023 No 3 3     .245 .245 Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Barium (ppm) 2023 No 2 2 0.0487 0.0487 0.0139 0.0139 Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppm) 2023 No 4 4 0.2 0.2 0.632 0.632 Natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth
Nitrate - Nitrite (ppm) 2023 No 10 10 0.376 0.376 1.5 1.5 Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Selenium (ppb) 2023 No 50 50 - - 2.25 2.25 Erosion of natural deposits

 

Disinfection Byproducts

          Independence Water Kansas City Water  
Substance (unit of measure) Year Sampled Violation MCL [MRDL] MCLG [MRDLG] Highest LRAA Range
Low-High		 Highest LRAA Range
Low-High		 Typical Source
Haloacetic Acids [HAA5] DBPDUAL-03 (ppb) 2023 No 60 0 4 1.62 - 5.09 13 6.1 - 19 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (ppb) 2023 No 80 0 3 1.16 - 6.52 8 3.18 - 7.63 A byproduct of drinking water disinfection 

 

Reseller Secondary Contaminants

      Independence Water Kansas City Water
Substance (unit of measure) Year Sampled Violation Range
Low-High		 Range
Low-High
Hardness, Total (as CAC03) 2021 No 131 131

*Terms, Abbreviations and Symbols

We Maintain


500
miles of water main

14,535
valves in the distribution system for customers

5,486
hydrants for fire protection

4
pumping stations to sustain supply

9
water towers and storage tanks
 

 

 


500
public sewer mains move wastewater to
treatment plants

12,513
manholes allow access to sewer mains

22
pumping stations move wastewater to the
Little Blue Valley Sewer District's 
treatment plant

33,557
sewer accounts

4
billion gallons of wastewater treated
each year

Rates & Fees

Rates are evaluated on an annual basis with a five-year forecast and approved by the customer-based Water Utilities Advisory Board and Lee's Summit City Council.




water utilities employees and water truck

Water Volume Rates

Monthly Quantity Charge (rate per 1,000 gallons)
Customer Type Consumption Rate

Residential

 < 7,000 gallons $5.16
7,001 to 15,000 gallons $6.06
> 15,001 gallons $7.57
Commercial All Usage $6.06
 

Sewer Volume Rates

Monthly Quantity Charge (Rate per 1,000 gallons)
Customer Type Consumption Rate
Residential Subject to Winter Sewer Average $6.54
Commercial All Usage $6.54

Base Charges

Meter Size Base Water Base Sewer
5/8" $12.12 $17.27
3/4" $13.58 $19.31
1" $18.18 $25.86
1 1/2" $30.30 $43.10
2" $60.60 $68.96
3" $96.97 $86.20
4" $121.21 $120.68
6" $145.45 $172.40
8" $206.05 $206.88
10" $424.23 $258.60



water hydrant releasing water

Customer Care

(2023 Data)

30,477 Customer Calls  
11,383 Service Orders  
3,000 In-person Payments  
12,749 Mailed Payments  
2,618 Customer Emails  
1,731 Customer Payment Arrangements  
459,846 Bills Processed
468,000 Meters Read
1,464 Meters Changed to Radio Read

 

Maintenance

(2023 Data)

Water

 3,020 Hydrants Maintained 
2,025 Water Valves Excercised
 194 Water Main Breaks Repaired

Wastewater

 696,579 Feet of Sewer Pipes Jetted
118 Manhole Inspections

 

 

Comparison Rates

Water Utilities has maintained some of the lowest water and sewer rates in the metropolitan area, while still making strategic investments in water and sewer infrastructure and services.

Residential Rate Comparisons >

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Department Highlights

2023 Strategic Plan
2023 Strategic Plan

Water Utilities recently finalized its 2023 Strategic Plan charting a course to deliver water services that better reflect the evolving needs and priorities of current and future customers.

2023 Strategic Plan

Award-Winning Utility
Award-Winning Utility

Water Utilities is proud to receive two prestigious customer service awards recognizing the department’s commitment to excellence in serving the Lee’s Summit community.

Customer Service Awards

New Vac-Con Truck

Water Utilities recently expanded its water and sewer fleet by purchasing a Titan Vac-Con Combination truck. This new addition will improve the overall level of service, increase safety and minimize lawn and landscape disruptions.

Capital Investment Projects

Water Utilities invested $16.5 million on design and construction projects in 2023.

McClendon Ditch Sewer Improvements
Spring 2023 – Summer 2024

This sanitary sewer improvement project includes upgrades to the sewer trunk main within the Cedar Creek watershed that serves the internal core of the City. The project will improve approximately 5,000 linear feet of sewer main and require a bore of U.S. Highway 50.

South Prairie Lee Interceptor Sewer Upgrades
Spring 2024 – Winter 2025

Key sections of the South Prairie Lee interceptor sewer will be upgraded to pave the way for development at the top of the drainage basin.

Water Main Cathodic Protection
Summer 2024 – Winter 2025

To safeguard the water supply and extend the life of the City’s pipes, a corrosion protection system is being installed on a section of the water system showing signs of wear. This system uses special anodes to slow down pipe deterioration.

Water Main Rehabilitation
Spring 2024 – Summer 2025

Water Utilities is proactively upgrading water mains throughout the City that have a history of breaks to ensure reliable water delivery and minimize disruptions for residents and businesses.

 

Terms, Abbreviations and Symbols

Population: 106.031. This is the equivalent residential population served including non-bill paying customers.

90th Percentile: For lead and copper testing. 10% of test results are above this level and 90% are below.

AL: Action level or the concentration of a contaminant which when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

HAA5: Haloacetic Acids (mono-, di- and tri-chloroacetic acid and mono- and di- bromoacetic acid) as a group.

LRAA: Locational Running Annual Average or the locational average of sample analytical results for samples taken during the previous four calendar quarters.

MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there are no known or expected health risks. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level or the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment. 

N/A: Not Applicable. 

ND: Not Detectable at testing limits. 

NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit used to measure cloudiness in drinking water. 

PPB: Parts per Billion or micrograms per liter. 

PPM: Parts per Million or milligrams per liter. 

RAA: Running Annual Average or the average of sample analytical results for samples taken during the previous four calendar quarters. 

Range of Results: Shows the lowest and highest levels found during a testing period. If only one sample was taken, this number equals the Highest Test Result or Highest Value. 

SMCL: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level or the secondary standards that are non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants, may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor or color) in drinking water. EPA recommends these standards but does not require water systems to comply. 

TT: Treatment Technique or a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. 

TTHM: Total Trihalomethanes (chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform) as a group.  

 

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