The Public Works Department is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the city streets, water distribution system, the sewer collection system, and the wastewater treatment process. The city maintains fresh water supply with a 250,000 gallon elevated tower and purchases water from the City of Independence.
Water Department
High water bills? Check for leaks.
and driving up your bill. Here are some simple ways to look for slow leaks.
Start at the water meter.
- Make sure all water fixtures are off.
- Note the numbers on your meter.
- Don’t use any water for 30 minutes. Read the meter again.
- Compare the readings. If the number remains the same – no leaks. If they differ, you likely have one.
- To find the leak, start with the toilets. Turn off water going to your toilets and repeat the above steps.
- If the two meter readings match, one of your toilets is likely leaking. If the numbers don’t match, your leak is somewhere else. Check indoor and outdoor faucets, hoses, outdoor systems and appliances.
Toilets: Water Wasters
Toilets are serious water wasters. The dye test is an easy way to look for silent leaks.
- Dry all exterior surfaces of the toilet.
- Remove the tank lid.
- Flush.
- Add a teaspoon of food coloring to the tank.
- Don’t flush.
- After an hour, check the bowl for traces of the dye. If you see color, your toilet is leaking. A mechanism inside likely needs to be adjusted or repaired.
Saving Water
- Check toilets, appliances, faucets and pipes for hidden leaks and make repairs.
- Insulate water pipes to get hot water faster.
- Install water-efficient shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators.
- Take shorter showers.
- Turn off faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes by hand and cleaning vegetables.
- Only run dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
BOIL ADVISORY vs BOIL ORDER
Did you know there is a difference between a boil advisory and a boil order?
A boil advisory is issued by the City when there is a concern that there MAY be a problem with the drinking water, but none have been confirmed.
A boil order is only issued by Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) when there is a threat to public health. The City is required to notify consumers as soon as possible after the MDNR issue.
Please take the following steps if you receive a boil water advisory or order:
• Boil water for 3-minutes prior to consumption use.
• Dispose of ice cubes.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces.
Reporting Water Service Problems
• Boil water for 3-minutes prior to consumption use.
• Dispose of ice cubes.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces.
Reporting Water Service Problems
Water service related problems within the customer's home/business or between the customer's home/business to the customer's side of the water meter (outlet side) are the customer's responsibility. The City is responsible from the water main to the inlet side of the water meter. If you believe there is a problem with the water main in your area, please contact the Public Works at 816-650-3191 Ext. 1 during regular business hours (8AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday); or 816-400-8970 after hours.
Sewer Division
Wastewater Treatment Facility
The City of Buckner's Wastewater Treatment Plant has a design flow of 500,000 gallons a day. The Sewer Plant Operators maintain the plant and pump stations and are responsible for the collection of wastewater and its conveyance to the treatment facility in a safe and cost-effective manner. This includes effectively operating a biological treatment plant that includes both finishing clarifiers and UV disinfection. The four main components of our Wastewater Treatment Plant are as follows:
- Headworks: in this process sewage enters the plant into a pre-screening of debris and a grit removal system.
- Oxidation Ditch: in this process air is introduce into the wastewater by a motorized rotator, increasing oxygen and allowing beneficial bacteria to grow while breaking down organic matter.
- Finishing Clarifiers: in this process the clarifier separates solid particles from liquid wastewater allowing the solids to settle to the bottom of the basin.
- Ultra Violet Disinfection: in this process UV disinfects the final product before leaving the plant and making its way to nearby streams.
Reporting Sewer Service Problems
Sewer service related problems within the customer's home/business or between the customer's home/business and the sewer main, including the connection to the sewer main, are the customer's responsibility. If you believe there is a problem with the sewer main in your area, please contact the Public Works at 816-650-3191 Ext. 1 during regular business hours (8AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday); or 816-400-8970 after hours.
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