Water

It is the account holder's responsibility to maintain open access to the water meter. If a Water Services Technician encounters an obstruction to the meter, a letter will be sent to the account holder requesting that the obstruction be removed. Obstructions will often result in the account holder receiving an estimated bill. Failure to remove an obstruction may result in discontinuation of service. Please make sure your meter well lid is properly set on the base ring to prevent trip hazards.

City responsibilities are limited to those things it controls, owns or maintains. Since the City does not control, own or maintain the elements of the customer's home/business plumbing system, it cannot be held responsible for failures to this system.

• Water service problems from the water main to the water meter are usually the responsibility of the City.
• Water service problems between the water meter and the customer's home/business or within the customer's home/business, are the customer's responsibility.
• After Hours Emergency: Call the Police Non-emergency number at 816-228-0150 to notify city utilities.

The City of Blue Springs purchases water from Kansas City, Mo., Independence, Mo., and Tri-County Water Authority. The source of raw water for all three of these providers is the Missouri River and the alluvial aquifer along and under the river.

Several things can contribute to low water pressure. In many cases the water pressure is not the problem but water volume is. This situation is typically the result of old galvanized pipes that are corroded, a valve partially closed or a pressure regulating device on the house service line that is restricting both pressure and flow. The City’s distribution system generally operates within a pressure range that does not vary more than 5-10 pounds per square inch (psi).

Customers who reside in higher elevations throughout the service area will naturally experience less water pressure than those residing in valleys or lower elevations. The water column height in the water towers is what produces the pressure on the water mains to push the water to the customer. Occasionally, a water main break or maintenance activities in the area will cause a loss in water pressure.

City responsibilities are limited to those things it controls, owns or maintains. Private ownership of service starts on the back side of the meter. Since the City does not control, own or maintain the elements of the customer's home/business plumbing system, it cannot be held responsible for failures to this system.

Contact the Public Works Operations Division at 816-228-0195 or after hours emergency at 816-228-0151.

Frozen water pipes can be an unexpected frustration for residents during cold weather. The Blue Springs Water Department offers a few tips to help prevent frozen water pipes:

• Be sure pipes in unheated parts of your home, including crawl spaces, are insulated.
• Plug up drafty cracks and repair broken window panes.
• Remove hoses from outside faucets and be sure they are drained and shut off.
• Advise all household members where the main shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
• If you will be away from home for an extended time, shut off the water supply and drain the system.
• If you leave for only a few weeks, set the thermostat high enough so the temperature in your basement will offset a severe temperature drop.
• Never try to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame. Instead use a hair dryer, sweeper exhaust, light bulb, or heat tape. Better yet, call your plumber.
• Keep meter box lids closed to prevent cold air from freezing the water meter.
• If you have experienced problems in the past with frozen pipes, keep a trickle of water running from the faucet highest in the house. This trickle should be a steady stream the size of the lead in a pencil. Never use antifreeze to keep pipes from freezing. The chemicals could be drawn back into the water supply and contaminate the system. In addition, antifreeze residue is very difficult to remove from your water pipes.

Water conservation is something we all should practice. Except for the air we breathe, water is the single most important element in our lives. Here are some tips to help you understand more about water use.

Outside Conservation Measures

• Sprinklers: Don't water the pavement! Position sprinklers so that lawn and garden receive all of the water.
• Driveways: Use a broom instead of a water hose to clear debris from patios, sidewalks, and driveways.
• Lawn Care: Deep soak weekly in the morning or evening when the least evaporation occurs. Also aerate your lawn on a regular basis.
• Landscaping: Drought-tolerant plants need less water. Mulch your garden to slow evaporation.
• Mowing: Longer grass means less evaporation. Set your mower a notch or two higher in hot dry weather.
• Car Washing: Use a bucket to wash your vehicle and keep a nozzle on the hose to save water.
• Pool Care: Use a pool cover to keep the water clean and reduce the rate of evaporation. Recycle water for use on the lawn or garden.
• Valves and Hoses: Regularly check pipes, hoses, valves. and faucets for leaks.

Inside Conservation Measures

• Dishwasher and Washer: Run only full loads. When replacing, look for high-efficiency machines that use less water and are more energy efficient.
• Drinking: Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator or use ice instead of running the tap until the water is cold.
• Toilet: Add food coloring to the water tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak. Replace the defective parts.
• Shower: Install a water saving shower head. Turn the water off while soaping or shampooing.
• Bathing: An average bathtub holds 50 gallons of water. Conserve water by only partially filling the tub.
• Shaving: Use a partially filled sink or short blast of water to rinse your razor.
• Pipes: Wrap hot water pipes with insulation to avoid waiting for hot water.
• Faucets: Repair leaks and install a low-flow aerator.
• Brushing Teeth: Don't run water while brushing. Fill a glass for rinsing.