Distribution System

The distribution system is the network of pipes and the associated fittings, valves, hydrants and appurtenances that transports water throughout the City of Lawrence. Most of the distribution system is located within the City street right-of-ways. A small percentage is located in easements.

Water Treatment Facility

Water is pumped into the distribution system from the Water Treatment Facility. The distribution system includes approximately 154 miles of pipe that range in size from 6-inch up to 30-inch; there are approximately 4,400 water valves and 1,300 fire hydrants. Pipe materials include cast iron, lined cast iron, and lined ductile iron. Pressure and storage capacity are maintained by elevated storage tanks and pumping stations throughout the City. The pumping stations operate to fill storage tanks and/or pressurize separate high pressure zones.

Domestic Water Service

Your water service extends from its connection to the main in the street up to and including your meter; yours is the only property being serviced by that line. As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining your water service in good working order, at your expense. Even though it is your service, the Water & Sewer Department must perform any required work in order to maintain records not only for you, but also for any future owners. When a service pipe leaks, it is essential that it be fixed properly and correctly. The consequences of water service pipe leaks can be destructive as well as pose health risks.

Water Service Termination

Your water service may be terminated if your bill is past due, your plumbing contains an illegal cross connection, a meter reader has not been permitted to enter your home or business to obtain an actual meter read, a Water Division representative has not been allowed to inspect the plumbing or inspect/install a meter, or you fail to repair a leak in your service or plumbing.

The Water Division may enter properties served by the City's water distribution system to conduct surveys and inspections for cross connections and potential cross connections within the property.

The Water Division will shut off a water service without prior notice to eliminate a cross connection or backflow condition where contaminants or pollutants are suspected to be a threat to public health. The water service shall remain shut off until the cross connection or backflow connection is eliminated, or the condition is remedied, at the owner's expense, and the remedial work is approved by the Water Division.