Frequently Asked Questions

Your bill is based on a Winter Monthly Average (WMA). The WMA is a standard for wastewater billing based on your water usage during the winter and is updated every year.

The reason why your bill is based on water usage during the winter is simple. Many households use more water in the spring, summer, and fall than in winter. And that makes sense. During the warmer months, water is often used outside the house on things like grass, gardens, or filling pools for kids to play in on hot days.

Water outside the house does not enter the sewer system, so you shouldn’t be charged for it.

Welcome to KCK! We’re glad to have you here! Because you’re new here, you don’t yet have a Winter Monthly Average (WMA). The WMA is a standard for wastewater billing that is based on your water usage during the winter, and it is updated every year.

Because you do not have a WMA yet, you are assigned a default rate based on an industry standard that assumes one person will use between 100 and 200 gallons of water per day. City Code sets the default daily use at 125 gallons per day, roughly 3,740 gallons per month for a residential account.

As a new resident, you are encouraged to contact Environmental Services after receiving at least four months of bills to evaluate your WMA. If you use less water than the default, a customer service specialist can adjust your WMA accordingly. To contact us, dial 3-1-1 and ask to speak with Environmental Services about your WMA.

In Kansas City, Kansas, water use is measured in centum cubic feet or CCF. 1 CCF is equal to 748 gallons. If your household uses 3,740 gallons in a month, your wastewater bill will show the use of 5 CCF.

Your wastewater bill has two important parts. The first is a fixed service amount, and the second is an amount based on your water consumption during winter.

The fixed service amount is $25.43 per account. The water consumption amount is $5.74 per centum cubic feet or CCF. 1 CCF is 748 gallons of water.

If you use 3,740 gallons of water in April, your wastewater bill would be $54.13. Here’s an example of how this amount is calculated:

• 3,740 / 748 = 5 CCF
• 5 CCF * $5.74 = $28.70
• $25.43 + $28.70 = $54.13

Your sewer bill is based on your water usage amount. Using less water in your home will reduce your bill. Some examples of how to save water include:

• Take shorter showers.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
• Fix running toilets and leaking faucets.
  
  

You can also capture rainwater to water your yard or garden. Learn more about rain barrels and participate in Public Works' Stormwater Quality Cost-Share Program.

To speak to someone about your wastewater or stormwater charge, call (913) 573-1300.

For all other inquiries about your utility bill, contact the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities by dialing (913) 573-9190.

There are only three things that should ever be flushed down your toilet: pee, poop, and toilet paper. Flushing anything besides the three P’s can clog pipes and jam pumps resulting in costly repairs. Never put any of these items down your toilet or drain:

• Unused drugs/medications
• Disposable diapers
• Fats, grease, oils
• Condoms
• Tampons and sanitary napkins
• “Flushable” wipes
• Paper towels
• Car fluids/chemicals
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Paint
  
  

When in doubt, do not flush; use the trash can. To learn more about how you can properly dispose of some hazardous items including paint and other chemicals, visit Solid Waste Management.

Sounds from your plumbing system, including burping, hissing, and gurgling, happen because of air movement. The cause is usually a pressure imbalance caused by flowing water, which pushes air in front of it and leaves a vacuum behind.

Vents in your system are supposed to prevent this, so hearing these sounds could mean something needs to be fixed. It may also mean Environmental Services is performing sewer maintenance near your house. If this is happening to you, seek professional assistance.

Sewer gas is a natural byproduct of human waste breaking down in the sewer system. It contains a mix of gases, including hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can produce a strong and unpleasant odor. Many people describe it as similar to the smell of rotten eggs or spoiled food.

Your home’s plumbing system is designed to prevent these odors from entering your living space. It does this through two key features:

• Traps: U-shaped sections of pipe located under sinks, floor drains, and other fixtures. These hold a small amount of water that forms a seal to block gases from entering the home.
• Vents: Pipes that allow sewer gas to safely escape through the roof and help maintain air pressure in the plumbing system.

Common Causes of Indoor Sewer Odors
If you notice sewer odors inside your home or building, they may be caused by one or more of the following issues:

• Dry drains: Drains that are not used frequently can dry out, breaking the water seal in the trap. Running water down the drain may resolve the issue.
• Loose or missing caps: Floor drain plugs (or clean-out caps) may be improperly installed or missing.
• Blocked vent pipes: Vents on the roof can become clogged with debris, leaves, or snow.
• Cracked or damaged pipes: Interior vent or drain pipes may be cracked, disconnected, or leaking inside walls or under floors.

A visual inspection or basic maintenance can often correct the problem. If odors persist, it may be necessary to consult a licensed plumber to assess your system for leaks or other issues.

Optional Repair Plans Through HomeServe USA
The Unified Government partners with HomeServe USA to offer residents access to optional, low-cost emergency repair plans. These plans provide:

• 24/7 access to a repair hotline
• Professional service from licensed technicians
• A one-year guarantee on all covered repairs

To learn more about available plans and enrollment, visit the HomeServe USA website.

Smell something strange? We want to know about it! Call us at (913) 573-1300. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

Call us at (913) 573-1300. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

Rain barrels capture water that drains from your roof and holds it for later use on lawns, gardens, or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels diverts water away from your house and can cut down on your water consumption – saving you money!

To learn more about rain barrels, how to build your own, or to participate in the Unified Government's water quality cost-share program, visit Public Works' Stormwater Management.

A rain garden is a landscaped area, designed to collect rainwater in low lying areas. Arranging a garden of native plants helps filter water and reduce the amount of water that ends up in our sewer system.

Learn more about creating your rain garden or how to participate in Public Works' Stormwater Quality Cost-Share Program.

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water within earth and the atmosphere. The water cycle includes:

• Evaporation: The Sun heats up the water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and water changes into water vapor.
  
  
• Transpiration: Plants also lose water in the form of water vapor from their leaves into the air.
  
  
• Condensation: As the water vapor rises up into the air, it starts cooling down and forms tiny water droplets. These water droplets come together to form clouds.
  
  
• Precipitation: When the clouds start getting heavy and cannot hold the water droplets anymore, they fall back to the earth in the form of rain, hail, or snow.
  
  
• Collection: Some water that falls on the earth seeps into the ground. This water is available to us in the form of groundwater. The remaining water falls back into oceans, lakes, rivers, and seas.
  
  

Water Cycle Resources for Kids:

• Science Kids
• Kid Friendly Map of Water Cycle
• Water Cycle from National Geographic Kids Magazine

Yes, plant tours are available to groups. To schedule one, call us at (913) 573-1300.