Water Distribution
Elizabeth Owens,
Superintendent of Water Distribution
Wichita Water Utilities Water Distribution has responsibility for operating and maintaining the network of aboveground and underground infrastructure that transports water from the water treatment plant to individual customers. This network includes pipes from 2" diameter to 48" diameter, valves, fire hydrants, and service lines from 5/8" diameter to 12" diameter.
A staff of 67 people responds to reports of leaks, install new service lines, replace and relocate pipes, hydrants, and meters as needed for other construction, and replace and rehabilitate all elements of the network as they age. Employees investigate reports of low pressure and unusual taste, odor, or color in the water and take corrective action. The division also manages the Backflow Prevention Program, which insures that non-potable substances do not enter the drinking water system. The activities of this division help to insure that our customers continue to receive the quality, reliable, customer-convenient drinking water, which they have come to expect.
The Water Distribution Division also operates the night Dispatch Center from 5:00 p.m. until midnight, to receive calls from customers about leaks, sewer backups or odors, and other questions about the water and the sewer systems.
Sewer Maintenance
Billl Perkins,
Superintendent of Sewer Maintenance
Wichita Water Utilities Sewer Maintenance operates and maintains the network of aboveground and underground infrastructure that collects water from customers' premises after they have used it, and transports it to the Sewage Treatment Facilities.
The staff of 80 people respond to reports of sewer backups and sewer odors and take the necessary corrective action. Sewer Maintenance employees knife and clean sewers on a regular schedule to prevent backups. From 1997 to 2007, sewer backups were reduced by 56%. Remote-controlled television cameras allow our employees to inspect sewers after construction and to determine if rehabilitation or repairs are needed.
In addition, Sewer Maintenance crews raise manholes to grade, inspect the sewer system to locate any sources of groundwater or rainwater leaking into the sewers, and repair all defects to preserve the integrity of the infrastructure network.