In response to new federal regulations designed to protect public health by reducing lead levels in drinking water, the City of North Kansas City Water Department is working to complete a comprehensive Lead and Copper Inventory Program. The recent updates to the Safe Drinking Water Act have made it imperative for cities across the nation, including ours, to take decisive action in identifying, mapping, and mitigating the potential risks associated with lead materials used in our water system.

What is the Lead and Copper Inventory Program?

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) Inventory requirement is an integral part of the EPA’s efforts to minimize lead and copper levels in drinking water. This ruling requires water systems across the country to develop, maintain, and update an inventory of service line materials.

To comply with these regulations, North Kansas City will be conducting an exploratory procedure known as hydro-excavation. This is a non-invasive method used to create a small hole to expose the water service connection on City-owned property. The primary goal is to determine the composition of our service lines and verify if they contain lead or copper.

What to Expect:

Hydro-excavation Process: A specialized vehicle will be used to spray a high-pressure stream of water to dig a small hole in the City-owned right of way, typically located anywhere from the center of the roadway to near the curb in front of your property. This process is precise and controlled, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding area.

No Planned Water Service Disruption: We anticipate no disruption to your water service during this exploratory excavation. Our team will work diligently to ensure that your access to water remains uninterrupted. However, should we identify any unforeseen issues requiring immediate attention, we may need to temporarily disrupt service to address such concerns promptly and safely. 

Restoration: Once the inspection is complete, the excavation site will be filled, and any disturbed areas will be restored to their original condition.

Your Role and How You Can Help:

While this process does not require direct action on your part, we want to bring awareness to the hydro-excavation activity you may notice adjacent to your property in the City right-of-way. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources provides informational material that can assist you in identifying lead water line material inside your home or business. More information can be found here: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources: Lead Service Lines

Questions or Concerns?

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about this process.  Please do not hesitate to contact North Kansas City Public Works at 816-274-6000 or by emailing publicworks@nkc.org 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we undertake this important initiative to ensure the safety and quality of our community's drinking water. We are committed to transparent communication and will keep you informed of our progress.

-North Kansas City Department of Public Works

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