In the 1850s, Kansas City built its first combined sewers in the River Market area, constructed of stone and brick materials. By 1885, the sewer system was expanded and extended to the Missouri River, but the sewage still wasn’t treated to remove pollutants; it was simply diverted downhill and discharged directly into the river. Some of these sewers have since been rehabilitated with interior linings and are still in service today, but now with proper treatment.

The Clay Pipe Takeover

In 1895, engineering firms began to build more modern sewer collection systems using clay pipes located below street level. Clay pipe remained the material of choice until the 1980s and is still in use today throughout much of Kansas City’s sewer system.

Clay pipe is naturally brittle and prone to cracks, which allow tree roots to grow through cracks and joints that can clog and even collapse the pipes. This damage can cause a host of problems that affect public health and our environment.

Today's Sewer System

Today, the most prominent materials used to construct the City’s sewers include vitrified clay pipe, PVC pipe, reinforced concrete pipe, corrugated metal pipe, and brick among other materials. Given our history, Kansas City’s aging sewer system is in need of ongoing repair — and there’s more to it than just replacing the old pipes in your neighborhood.

Historical photos courtesy of Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri