City of Wichita - Water Utilities Frequently Asked Questions
Friday, May 16, 2008 :: Currently 55 degrees in Wichita

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Water Utilities
City Hall, 8th Floor
455 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67202

To report water leaks, sewer stoppages, or other emergencies
(316) 262-6000

Customer Service/
Billing Questions

(316) 265-1300

David Warren
Director


Leaving City Of Wichita Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I call and talk to?

Visit our Contact Us page. We have a list of staff with phone numbers and e-mail.

Do the Wichita Water Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plants allow RVs to dump domestic waste at their facilities?

No, due to heightened security surrounding America's critical infrastructure, the City of Wichita Water Utilities will no longer provide this service.  Click here to veiw a list of Service Providers, in the surrounding area, which take domestic waste from individual recreational vehicles.

 

What are the proper steps to disposing of expired or unused Pharmaceuticals?

Research has found medications and their byproducts in ground and surface waters, suggesting that disposal of old or unused medications down the toilet is not a completely effective way of preventing contamination.  Click here to review the steps to the proper disposal of pharmaceuticals.

How much are water connection fees for a new service?

It is best to call (316) 268-4365 or (316) 268-4555 for the price at a specific location, e-mail information about your project to staff, or you can use the chart under Customer Service at this web site for general information.  Also, please be aware, the deposits and new account service fee must be paid to establish the service.

Can I install my own water service line? Will they extend the water service line to my house?

The Wichita Water Utilities will install a meter and extend a service line from the main to the meter. The property owner is responsible for extending the service line from the meter to the house. A plumber should be contacted for installation costs. You may install your own service line; however, it must meet all City specifications, and be of acceptable material and depth. You may contact the Water Department at (316) 268-4555 or Central Inspection at (316) 268-4461 for more information.

How much would it cost to connect our house to City water where there is already a service line and meter?

If there is a meter box call (316) 265-1300 about connecting the service. You may be required to post a deposit and pay a new account fee.

How soon will I get water? We have the lines in already.

If the water main has been cleared for consumption and your plumber or builder has called in a "release" the service should be installed within 2-3 weeks of the fees being paid. If the fees have been paid and it has been longer than 3 weeks please call (316) 219-8913 or (316) 268-4365 to find out more information about the delay.

I want to get my well water tested.

Contact the Department of Environmental Services at (316) 268-8351.

Our water is yellow, rusty, pink, blue, green, purple, smells bad, tastes funny - have you had any reports about the water being like this?

Anytime there is a concern about the quality of the water being delivered into your home or business please call us. To report any problems, or complaints, please call (316) 262-6000. One may also call our Water Lab at (316) 269-4771 or e-mail.

My water meter is sunk way down in the ground and it is dangerous to people who walk through here. Or, there's water standing on top of my water meter.

Call (316) 262-6000 or e-mail about problems with the meter box or valve boxes near your home or business.

The Wichita Water Utilities repaired/installed lines a while back. They said they would come back and fix my lawn just like it was before. It's a mess - who can I talk to?

The Utilities usually waits a couple of weeks from the time a main is repaired to allow the dirt to settle before final yard restoration. Also, in the summer it may take a little longer due to the increased work load. If it seems it has been excessively long then call (316) 219-8921 or e-mail to make sure we get the work done as promptly as possible.

I have water leaking in my yard, driveway, parking lot, etc. Where is this coming from? Can you come out and check it?

For any type of possible water leak call (316) 262-6000 or for minor problems one can e-mail.

Where can I take paint, oil, hazardous stuff?

The Household Hazardous Materials Collection site is now under the authority of Sedgwick County and is located at 801 Stillwell. For more information see the Department of Environmental Services or call (316) 660-7464.

What are the hours of operation for the Household Hazardous Waste Facility?

Check the Household Hazardous Waste Facility web page for the latest information.

What is the address for the Household Hazardous Waste Facility?

Check the Household Hazardous Waste Facility web page for the latest information.

What kinds of household hazardous wastes are accepted?

Please contact the facility at (316) 660-7464 to verify the items that are accepted, or visit Household Hazardous Materials.

Why does the Wichita Water Utilities want us to conserve water, but they don't fix leaks for weeks or months?

During certain times of the year leaks occur at a faster rate than we can quickly repair. During these times, we prioritize the leaks and repair them as soon as possible. Also the source of small leaks are difficult to locate. To avoid large disruptive excavations, the Department may wait until the leak source can be better identified.

Why is a whole crew just standing around looking at a water leak that is tearing up my yard?

This could be due to one or more of several factors: (1) the crew may be waiting for numerous underground pipes/cables to be located; (2) part of the crew may be on site and waiting for the rest of the crew to shut off the main, (3) the leak may require specialized equipment that is not immediately available.

My toilet, basement drain, etc. is backing up - who do I call to verify if it is my plumbing or the City's?

Call the Water & Sewer 24-hour emergency number (316) 262-6000. Sewer Maintenance personnel will be dispatched to the location. If a problem is found in the City's sewer, it will be corrected and you will be notified. You will also be notified if the City sewer does not have a problem.

Is my basement sump pump installed correctly to prevent damage to my property and my neighbors' property?

Call the Sewer Maintenance sump pump inspector at (316) 841-9203 for proper installation guidelines and inspections.

Why can't we wash paint brushes, oil pans, etc. outside and discharge it to the storm sewer - it gets treated at the wastewater treatment plant doesn't it?

NO!!! The City operates and maintains two separate collection systems - sanitary sewer and storm drain. Any waste that goes down the storm drain does not get treated. With few exceptions, only storm and irrigation water is allowed to be discharged to the storm drain. Wastes, such as petroleum based oils and mercury, should not be disposed of either in the storm drain or sanitary sewer. Please collect these wastes and take them to the Household Hazardous Waste facility. For a list of wastes that are prohibited from being discharged into the sanitary sewer, please call (316) 303-8703.

A manhole suddenly appeared in my yard. How did it get there?

The manhole was buried below ground. A maintenance crew raised it to the proper grade. Manholes need to be 5" above ground level to provide access for cleaning and maintenance and to prevent rainwater and other surface drainage from entering and overtaxing the sewer.

Can you move the manhole out of my yard?

Manhole locations are determined by the configuration of the sewers to which they are attached. Relocating a manhole requires changing the alignment, and possibly the grade of a sewer, which will impede flow. In almost every case, relocating a manhole is not practical.

I was told the City has an easement in my yard. Explain what that means.

An easement gives the City the right to construct and maintain public facilities in an area. Easements are obtained from property owners. Most easements in the City were granted by developers when they platted the land for development. Streets and utility lines are the most common facilities constructed in easements. The property owner must allow the owners of the facilities in the easement to have access. The property owner has responsibility for maintaining the land in the easement, but in most cases facility owners will restore any areas that are excavated or damaged during maintenance work.

How do you calculate the average winter consumption (AWC) that appears on my bill?

The average winter consumption (AWC) is calculated as an average of the bills rendered in the months of December, January, February, and March.

Can I pay my bill online?

Yes you may. Simply go to water bill online for the information on how to do this.  You can also pay over the phone by calling (316) 265-1300.

How does the water rate structure work?

Your average winter consumption is designed to be the level of consumption for your account which allows for domestic consumption (drinking, bathing, washing clothes, etc). Amounts used above this level contribute to peak service demand and are frequently seasonal uses such as irrigation. On any given bill, the amount used above 110% of AWC goes into a Block 2 charge. Amounts used above 310% of AWC go into a Block 3 charge.

What is the stormwater charge that appears on my bill?

This is a charge that has been enacted by the City Council to provide a utility revenue for the construction and maintenance of storm drainage facilities within the City of Wichita. The charge is $2.00 per equivalent residential unit (ERU). Commercial properties receive a charge that is based on the amount of impervious surface area which generates runoff.

What is the Kansas Water Plan charge?

This is a charge enacted by the Kansas Legislature to provide funds for various water related projects in the State. The charge is 3.2 cents per thousand gallons of consumption and is turned over to the state.

What is the fluoride level of the City's drinking water?

The City's drinking water contains approximately 0.3mg/L (PPM) of naturally occurring fluoride.

What is the hardness of the City's drinking water?

The average hardness of the City's drinking water is 7.0 grains per gallon (108 mg/L as Calcium Carbonate).

How much sodium is in the City's drinking water?

The City's drinking water contains from 80-100 mg/L (PPM) of sodium.
Any questions about the fluoride, hardness or sodium levels, please contact Terryl Pajor (Lab & Operations Director) at (316) 269-4766.

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Connecting to Wichita Water Mains
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The Ayes Have It! Wichita Water Department: A History 1882-1982
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