Droplets from Jackson County Public Water Board #2

By Richard Tush

The Water Board had their first meeting of the year January 12^th.  Although most of the meeting was spent on normal house keeping activities, manager, Pat Ertz, brought to the board’s attention that the district had many overlaying service areas with Raytown Water.  This has led to confusion over the years for new residence and others as to which provider services any specific home or business.  It also means both utilities have pipes on the same streets to service their customers, which at the end of the day is an added expense for everyone.   With the approval of the board Mr. Ertz is looking into cost saving opportunities with Raytown Water that would allow the two utilities to at least review options that could eliminate some of the duplicate service areas.

Pipe replacement on 79^th St between Arlington and Elm is just about complete.  This section had several pipe failures and the replacement will provide improved service to the area. 

The water district is still in negotiations with the City of Independence, who provides 60% of the water to the district, that will bring both districts to an agreement for a reasonable rate increase for the water purchased from them.  Hopefully within the next few months this issue can finally be put to rest.  In either case, the board along with Mr. Ertz needs to be thanked for not just accepting the requested increase from Independence, but working through the process to save the rate payers additional cost.

 The water board meets at 5:00 PM on the second Wednesday of the month unless otherwise advised.  The next meet is scheduled for February 9^th.  Meetings are held at the water district office 6945 Blue Ridge Blvd.