KC Water’s Smart Sewer program is a multi-decade infrastructure investment to make sure our sewer systems continue to work reliably and effectively. The program addresses the system-wide overflow control challenges facing our sewer system in a way that protects our community and restores this vital piece of our City’s infrastructure.

The Smart Sewer program uses strategic, data-driven solutions and innovative overflow control technologies to ensure the improvements and investments we make today will last for generations to come. In short, smart solutions capitalize on enhanced sewer system asset condition and performance data, and innovative technologies to minimize cost and maximize the benefits. Here’s how:

Repair when we can. Replace where we must. Build new only when necessary.

The Smart Sewer program puts the priority on fixing the system we have whenever possible, only replacing the parts of the system that have reached the end of their useful life and are beyond cost-effective repair, and building new sewer infrastructure only when it is a “must.” Decisions about when to repair or when to build new are made using a robust asset management system that evaluates the likelihood of a sewer failure and the potential impacts of that failure, so we can continue providing cost-effective service in a long-term, sustainable way. 

Use technology to work efficiently and safely.

There are water level sensors and flow meters inside hundreds of sewer pipes and manholes across the city. These devices work alongside advanced computer models to track how the system performs which allows KC Water to predict overflows during different weather conditions, prioritize needed upgrades, and reduce overall risks.

Closed-circuit TV (CCTV) is also used to inspect sewer pipes for signs of deterioration and to identify the severity of sewer pipe defects in need of repair. CCTV provides a close-up view of the inside of sewer pipes to observe defects such as pipe cracks, collapses, and joint breaks. These technologies enable us to determine the performance and condition of our sewer systems and support the prioritization of system improvements to prevent sewer overflows and disruptions in service.

Integrate green infrastructure to provide multiple community benefits.

Green infrastructure helps manage stormwater the way nature intended by capturing, infiltrating and in some cases utilizing rainwater where it falls before it enters the combined sewer system. Green infrastructure can take many forms, depending on its location, and can be as large as a community park or as small as a rain garden.

It is a long-term solution that looks beautiful above ground and works wonders below, decreases the amount of rainwater getting into our pipes, and reduces flooding, pollution, and trash in our local creeks, streams, and rivers.

 

Smart Systemwide Investments

By upgrading how it collects data and using those insights to plan repairs, the Smart Sewer program keeps rainwater out of the sewer systems which makes the entire network more reliable. To make our sewer systems operate as efficiently as possible, the Smart Sewer program is using a variety of solutions, including:

Combined Sewer System improvements

• Sewer rehabilitation
• Diversion structures and sewer consolidation
• Green infrastructure
• Targeted combined sewer separation
• New relief sewers
• Open basin and in-line storage facilities with real-time controls
• Pumping station upgrades and forcemain improvements
• Wastewater treatment plant capacity expansions

Separate Sewer System improvements

• Strategic inflow and infiltration reduction
• Pumping station upgrades and forcemain improvements
• Wastewater treatment plant capacity expansions

These solutions help reduce the annual volume of wet weather overflows and increase system reliability for generations to come.