Generally, as long as it comes out of our tap and goes down the drain, many of us don’t give water a second thought. But there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes at Lee’s Summit Water Utilities to deliver safe and reliable water, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. 

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 a day. Today our water system can supply 32.5 million gallons a day (MGD) and consistently exceeds federal water quality standards. Read more about Water Quality.

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of water flowing in a drinking water distribution system. Drinking water distribution systems are designed with the intention of the water flowing in one direction, from the distribution system to the many various points of use. Hydraulic conditions can and do exist within the system that may deviate from the "normal" conditions, causing water to flow in the opposite direction.

Causes of Backflow

Backflow is caused by either a pressure drop in the water supply (backsiphonage) or an increase in the water pressure (Backpressure).

• Backpressure is caused by a downstream increase in pressure to a point that is greater than the supply pressure. An example would be a connection to a boiler for heating purposes. As the water is heated, it expands and increases the pressure in the boiler. The pressure in the boiler can reach a point where it is higher than the pressure of the water supply line. If this occurs, the water from the boiler will push back, or flow, into the water supply as it looks for space to relieve the pressure. Another example would be any situation where a water connection is made to a pump to increase water pressure. Enough pressure can be created downstream from the pump, that it will surpass the pressure in the water supply connection and flow back into the water supply.
• ​Backsiphonage is caused by a drop in supply pressure where a partial vacuum or negative pressure is created that siphons water or liquids into the water supply. It is similar to drinking water through a straw. A good example is a water hose submerged in a bucket to mix up fertilizer or pesticide. If a water main were to break down the street and there was a sudden drop in supply pressure, water from nearby homes and businesses could be siphoned into the drinking water system, including the fertilizer or pesticide in the bucket. After the break is fixed, someone could go to fill up their glass at the tap and unknowingly drink water contaminated with fertilizer or pesticide.

Potential Backflow Hazards

• In-ground lawn sprinklers
• In-ground swimming pools
• Hose Bibs
• Boilers
• Photo dark rooms
• Solar heating
• Decorative ponds
• Fire protection systems (including fire lines and fire sprinkler systems)
• Many other commercial uses

How to Help Prevent Backflow

• Maintain and annually inspect in-ground lawn sprinkler systems and other backflow devices.
• Never submerge a hose in buckets, pools, tubs or sinks.
• Always keep the end of the hose clear of possible contaminants.
• Don’t use spray attachments, especially those with fertilizers or chemicals, without a backflow prevention device.
• If an outdoor faucet doesn’t have a built-in anti-siphon valve, an inexpensive screw-on backflow­­ prevention device (hose bib vacuum breaker) can be purchased and installed. Be sure to periodically inspect these devices to ensure they are working properly and replace them if needed.

Who is Required to Have a Backflow Device and Your Responsibilities

Water customers with a known or potential cross-connection (a connection between our drinking water system and another substance or source) are required by state and local laws and regulations to install a backflow prevention assembly and have it inspected and tested annually by a certified backflow tester with a current Lee’s Summit business license. Yearly testing is necessary to ensure the assembly is operating properly in order to protect our water system from possible contamination. Find licensed backflow testers here.

You should never use an in-ground lawn sprinkler without having a properly tested and functioning backflow assembly.

Lee’s Summit Water Utilities mails customers with registered lawn sprinkler systems a testing notice every spring to remind citizens/businesses of their test date. If you have an in-ground lawn sprinkler and DO NOT receive a testing notice (or have not in the past), please have your assembly inspected before use and contact us at 816.969.1930 or backflow@cityofls.net.

What laws require me to have a backflow device? 
The EPA Safe Drinking Water Act
Missouri Code of State Regulations 60-11.010
Lee's Summit's Backflow Prevention Ordinance (Chapter 32, Article III of the Code of Ordinances)
Lee's Summit's Design and Construction Manual

What is the technical definition of a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is an unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, are considered to be cross-connections. 

Backflow Prevention Program

The City’s Backflow Coordinator maintains files on each backflow device. Lee’s Summit Water Utilities mails customers with registered backflow devices a testing notice every spring to remind them of their test date. A list of licensed and certified testers will be enclosed with the reminder letter. It is up to the backflow device owner to contact a licensed and certified backflow assembly tester. The owner then has approximately 30 days to schedule the testing. The tester will complete the Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Data and Maintenance Report that indicates whether or not the backflow assembly passed or failed in several areas.  The tester will return the report to the Backflow Coordinator, however, it is a good idea for the owner to verify that the report has been received. The Backflow Coordinator will issue several warnings if this report is not received in a timely manner.

According to the City ordinance (in accordance with Federal and State regulations), if an owner does not perform the testing annually, it is the Water Utilities' right to terminate water service. Anual testing ensures the greatest protection of the City's public potable water system. Verification of the backflow preventer's accuracy is essential.  The backflow assembly test report can be mailed to the address indicated on the form or faxed to 816.969.1935. 

• List of Licensed Backflow AssemblyTesters
• Backflow Assembly Test Form   (Form can be filled out digitally and emailed or printed and mailed.)
• Backflow Prevention Installation Requirements
• Backflow Assembly Tester List Application

What is a backflow prevention assembly?
A backflow prevention assembly protects drinking water from contamination through cross-connections via check valves, air relief valves, or a combination of both.  There are several different types of backflow prevention assemblies.

• A double check valve assembly (DCV) contains two spring-loaded check valves that are held open by normal water pressure. Should a backflow situation occur and the water pressure drops, the springs will close the two check valves that are normally held open by normal water pressure. These closed check valves keep water from flowing backward into the water supply.  A DCV protects against low hazard cross-connections.
• A reduced pressure zone backflow assembly (RPZ) contains two spring-loaded check valves like the DCV but also contains an air relief valve for an added level of protection for high hazard cross-connections. If the first check valve should fail when a backflow situation occurs, then the air relief valve will open allowing the backflow water to discharge from the device instead of backflowing into the water supply. The second check valve provides an additional level of protection if the air relief valve should also fail.
• A hose bib vacuum breaker should be installed on all hose bibs without antisiphon devices already built-in. A hose bib vacuum breaker contains an air relief valve that will discharge water that tries to backflow into the private water supply. An antisiphon hose bib already has a vacuum breaker built-in.

Resources for Additional Backflow Questions 

• Missouri Department of Natural Resources Backflow Prevention Website
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cross-Connection Control
• American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
• American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)

For additional backflow questions or concerns contact the City's Backflow Coordinator at 816.969.1930 or backflow@cityofls.net.

Water Conservation Tips

Inside The House

• Don't let the water run needlessly when washing dishes, shaving, or brushing your teeth.
• Take shorter showers. Keeping showers less than 5 minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
• Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, and then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Fix leaky faucets. Just one drip a second can waste 2,000 gallons of water per year.
• If practical, try to run the dishwasher or washing machine only when completely full.
• If you live in an older home, consider replacing your plumbing with low-flow fixtures and low-flush toilets.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water to use to water plants later. This also works when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

Outside The House

• Water your lawn only when necessary and consider landscaping with native plants adaptable to your climate's conditions.
• Place water collection vessels such as barrels or large buckets to collect rain water from down spouts and gutters. Use the water to water your plants.
• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips
• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk.
• If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
• Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
• Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
• Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
• Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
• Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
• Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
• Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
• Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering
• Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

The City of Lee's Summit Water Utilities obtains its water from the cities of Kansas City and Independence. In case of water emergencies, we also have emergency connections from Tri-County Water Authoritnully. 

Independence Water 

The City of Independence supplies Lee’s Summit up to 7.5 million gallons a day water from wells located near the Missouri River.  Visit the City of Independence's website for more information about the water they provide. 

Kansas City Water

Kansas City’s water source is the Missouri River.  Lee’s Summit receives up to 25 million gallons of water a day from Kansas City. Visit the City of Kansas City for more information about the water they provide.

Planning for the Future 

The City of Lee's Summit has secured proficient water supply to serve the community's needs for the next few decades. 

Emergency Connections

The City of Lee's Summit has emergency connections from Tri-County Water Authority. Visit the Tri-County Water Authority for more information about the water they provide.

Prep Pipes for Winter

Before the temperatures drop below freezing, prepare pipes using these simple tips that could potentially save thousands of dollars in water damage repairs.

1. Locate and exercise the master water shut-off valve. The valve is usually located where the water line enters the house – sometimes near the water heater or washing machine. Once the valve is located, make sure all household members know where it is and exercise it regularly so it can easily be shut off in case of an emergency.
2. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Before freezing temperatures strike, it’s important to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. This allows the water to drain from the pipe so an overnight freeze doesn’t burst the faucet or the pipe it’s connected to.
3. Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. If there are water pipes in unheated areas like the garage or crawl space, it’s best to wrap them in insulation before temperatures drop. Pipe wrapping materials and supplies can be found at hardware stores.
4. Seal off access doors, air vents and cracks. When cold air seeps through overlooked openings, exposed water pipes may freeze. DO NOT plug air vents by the furnace or water heater.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop below freezing:

• Leave cabinet doors open for warm air circulation.
• Let water trickle to keep it flowing.
• Keep the garage door closed.

What if It’s Too Late?

Even with taking all the proper precautions, pipes may still freeze during an extended cold spell. If that occurs, the best solution is to call a plumber.

• Do not try to thaw the pipe with an open flame.
• Do not heat only one spot on the pipe, as this can cause it to burst.

If you chose to try to thaw the pipe yourself, your best bet is a heat tape specially made to thaw water pipes. This tape is available at many hardware stores. Be careful when heating the pipe, as it may already be broken and not leaking because the water inside is frozen. So be ready with the master shut-off valve in case water comes gushing out.

The Lee's Summit sanitary sewer system is designed to carry wastewater/sanitary sewer from approved drains (sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) in residences, businesses, and industries throughout the City to the Little Blue Valley Sewer District for treatment. The system includes all pipes, manholes, pumping stations, excess flow holding basins, etc., in the system, up to the point where the customer's private sewer lateral connects to the public system.

The sanitary sewer system is constantly evolving to accommodate the removal of wastewater from existing and new development to provide a healthier environment and better quality of life. While making strategic investments in our water and sewer infrastructure and services the Utility has maintained some of the lowest water and sewer rates in the metropolitan area. See how Lee’s Summits rates compare to our neighbors.

The Lee's Summit sanitary sewer system conveys 4 billion gallons of sewage for treatment each year.

Sanitary Sewer Versus Storm Sewer 

The sanitary sewer system is not the same as the storm sewer system. Only approved drains, protected from storm and groundwater, should drain to the sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system is designed with appropriately sized pipes to handle wastewater removal only; it does not have the capacity to handle additional water from storm and groundwater sources.

The storm sewer is a separate system of pipes and channels; it is designed to carry storm and ground water from streets, parking lots, roofs, driveways, sidewalks, etc., directly to natural drainage features such as creeks, rivers and/or detention basins. The storm sewer system is designed with much larger capacity pipes and drainage features to handle large volumes of water from rain, snow melt and groundwater sources. Storm and groundwater is clear water that does not need treatment before entering a natural drainage feature.  

See the Inflow & Infiltration page for information on what happens when storm and/or groundwater enters the sanitary sewer system. 

Inflow and infiltration (I&I) is storm or ground water that enters into the sanitary sewer system. Inflow water enters the sanitary sewer system through major defects and/or direct connections to the sanitary sewer system. Infiltration water seeps into the sanitary sewer system through cracks, offset joints, or defects in pipes and/or manholes.

Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) can cause the sanitary sewer system to become overloaded beyond the designed capacity of the pipes during a rain event. When the capacity of the pipes is exceeded, the excess wastewater looks for the lowest release point which can result in sewer backups or sanitary sewer overflows which negatively impact residents and the environment. Just a couple of properties with sources of I&I can overload a sanitary sewer line during a rain event.

Common Inflow Sources

• Sump Pumps
• Foundation Drains
• Downspouts 
• Uncapped cleanouts that are directly connected to the sanitary sewer system.

Common Infiltration Sources

• Cracks
• Offset Joints
• Defects in Pipes 
• Defects in Manholes

Problems Caused by Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)

• Basement backups
• Sanitary sewer manhole overflows. 
• Increased claims and claim related costs associated with backups.
• Negative impact on the environment due to sewage overflow and contamination.
• Increased costs for utility customers due to storm water being treated at the treatment plant unnecessarily.
• Decreased capacity of the sanitary sewer system.
• Increased costs to upsize pipes for I&I excess peak flows. These projects are expensive and do not completely solve the problem as the excess storm water in the system is still being unnecessarily treated at a cost to the Utility and its customers.

Although you may have I&I connections on your property and never have a problem, your I&I connections could be contributing to a sewer backup in the basement of a neighbor or the overflow of wastewater from a sewer manhole. Any reduction in the amount of storm water or ground water entering the sanitary sewer system is a public benefit to all customers.

How the Water Utilities Department is Reducing I&I

The Water Utilities Department is constantly evaluating and maintaining the public sanitary sewer system.  This is accomplished by running a television camera through the pipes to find defects as well as smoke testing, dye testing, jetting, root removal and visual inspections. System repairs, replacements and corrections are made from these evaluations to reduce sources of I&I in the public sanitary sewer system.

Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for ensuring that the private sanitary sewer system on your property is maintained properly to avoid sewer problems on your property and/or properties further downstream on the public system. Your private sanitary sewer system includes all the sewer plumbing on the property you own and your private sewer lateral.

What is a Private Sewer Lateral: The piping that connects a building's internal sewer plumbing to the public sanitary sewer system.  The sewer lateral is part of the private plumbing system and is maintained by the property owner.

See Lateral/Service Line for more information.

How You Can Help Prevent Inflow and Infiltration Problems

1. Have your private sewer lateral line  televised and/or cleaned. Grease and other substances can accumulate over time and cause blockages in the line which can lead to a backup. Laterals can also break at joints and, depending on their location, become infiltrated with roots which can cause the line to clog and create backups.  Offset or broken joints and root infiltration also allows opportunities for groundwater to enter into the sanitary sewer system. 
2. Ensure that any drains that collect storm water discharge to daylight when possible and are not connected to the sanitary sewer system.  Discharging to daylight means the drains aren't connected to the sanitary sewer system and are routed to empty at some point outside on the ground.  Drainage should be at least 3 feet from the foundation to ensure the storm water doesn't seep into the ground and back into the foundation drains.
3. Ensure that your sump pump discharges to daylight at least 3 feet from the foundation.  If the sump pump is connected to the sanitary sewer system, have the connection removed and capped and reroute the sump pump to discharge to daylight at least 3 feet from the foundation.* 
4. Ensure that your gutter downspouts run onto a splash block and drain at least 3 feet away from your foundation. Downspouts can also be connected to underground drain tiles, wet basins, downspout gardens or some other means of moving the water away from the foundation. Gutter downspouts keep water from seeping back into your foundation drains. If your gutter downspouts are connected to the sanitary sewer system, have them disconnected and rerouted at least 3 feet away from your foundation. If your downspouts are connected to a pipe that goes underground and you are unsure of where it drains to, try running a garden hose into the pipe or the downspout to see where the water comes out. If you are still unable to determine where the downspout drains, you can call a plumber to help locate where the pipe goes.*
5. Ensure that your sump basin/sump pit discharges to daylight at least 3 feet from the foundation or is connected to a sump pump. A sump basin/sump pit is a pit sometimes found in your basement floor that collects and removes any water that accumulates under the foundation of your home or business. If the sump basin is connected to the sanitary sewer system, have the connection removed and capped; reroute the sump basin/sump pit to discharge to daylight or a sump pump.*
6. Ensure that your footing or foundation drains discharge to daylight at least 3 feet from the foundation or are connected to sump basins/sump pits. Footing or foundation drains surround the foundation of your home or business and provide for the removal of ground water from around your foundation.  They are sometimes connected to sump basins or sump pits for the removal of collected ground water. If the footing or foundation drains are directly connected to the sanitary sewer, have them disconnected and rerouted to daylight or a sump basin/sump pit. 
7. Ensure that your outdoor stairwell drains discharge to daylight at least 3 feet from the foundation if the grade of the landscape allows. If the grade does not allow discharge to daylight, connected to a sump basin/sump pit. Outdoor Stairwell Drains are located at the bottom of an outdoor, non-enclosed stairwell. If the outdoor stairwell drains connect to the sanitary sewer system, have them disconnected and rerouted to daylight or a sump basin/sump pit. *
8. Ensure that your driveway or area drains discharge to daylight at least three feet from the foundation if the grade allows. If the grade does not allow discharge to daylight, connected to a sump basin/sump pit. Driveway or Area Drains are sometimes found in driveways, patios or other outdoor surfaces where water can accumulate because of low spots.  These types of drains should discharge to daylight whenever the grade of the landscape allows. If the driveway or area drains are connected to the sanitary sewer system, have them disconnected and rerouted to daylight or a sump basin/sump pit.* 

*Contact the Lee's Summit Codes Administration Department for any necessary permits before proceeding with any plumbing work.

Flushing items not intended to be conveyed by our sanitary sewer system could result in blockages or even back-ups in your home, business or neighborhood. Our sanitary sewer systems are not designed for anything other than standard toilet paper and human waste to be flushed. Other items, even those marked “flushable,” can clog up a sewer main or lateral before it naturally biodegrades. 

Help keep our water supply clean; dispose of your unused or expired medications responsibly and safely. For more information visit LSCares.org.

Before you flush, remember you can’t flush this:

• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Paper towels
• Facial Tissue
• "Flushable" wipes
• Cleaning wipes
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Syringes
• Candy or food wrappers
• Clothing labels
• Sponges
• Toys
• Any plastic item
• Aquarium gravel
• Kitty litter
• Rubber or latex items
• Cigarette butts
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hair
• Underwear
• Disposable toilet brushes
• Medication
• Bandages

For more information please visit this external source: Guide to What You Can and Can't Flush and Put Down the Drain.

When it’s washed down the sink, cooking grease sticks to the insides of sewer pipes, which can build up over time and cause blockages to pipes on your property or down the street. This can result in raw sewage overflowing in your home, the house next door, parks, yards or streets.

Here are ways you can prevent sewage overflows 

• Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets.
• Scrape grease and food scraps into a can or the trash for disposal or recycling.
• Insert baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids and empty them into the trash.
• Minimize your garbage disposal use. Garbage disposals do not prevent grease blockages and hot water or products that claim to dissolve grease only pass it down the line and cause problems elsewhere.

For more information please visit this external source: Guide to What You Can and Can't Flush and Put Down the Drain.

All wastewater collected in Lee’s Summit is conveyed to the Little Blue Valley Sewer District's (LBVSD) Wastewater Treatment Plant. There are no wastewater treatment facilities located within the City of Lee's Summit.

The LBVSD is a wholesale district that provides conveyance and treatment of wastewater for the cities of Kansas City, Independence, Raytown, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Grandview, Raymore, and Belton as well as Jackson and Cass Counties. In addition, the LBVSD provides service to the Fort Osage School District, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, and the Middle Big Creek Sub-District.

The LBVSD measures the City of Lee's Summit's wastewater flows at the downstream end of the Blue Springs, Maybrook, Little Cedar Creek, Bogg’s Hollow, Cedar Creek, and the Mouse Creek Watersheds.

Visit the Little Blue Valley Sewer District's website to learn more about wastewater treatment.