KC Water Green Maintenance Program

Green infrastructure plays an instrumental role in managing stormwater, improving water quality, and enhancing neighborhoods across Kansas City. But these systems only perform as intended when they are properly maintained.

KC Water’s Green Infrastructure Maintenance Program ensures that our investments in green solutions continue delivering by partnering with local landscape contractors to maintain these green infrastructure sites. The program delivers a broader value to Kansas City by creating:

• Job opportunities for local landscape contractors
• Long-term solutions for meeting green infrastructure maintenance needs
• A better system for green infrastructure maintenance
• Growth of a green workforce through training and certifications

Why does green infrastructure maintenance matter?

Properly maintaining green infrastructure keeps natural systems functioning like engineered ones. It requires consistent attention, practical field skills, and an understanding of how water, soil, and plants work together.

Along with the advantages for the overall community, this maintenance keeps the green infrastructure working as intended, allowing its benefits to fully flourish. When done right, maintenance ensures the system continues to:

• Reduce runoff and flooding
• Improve air and water quality
• Extend the lifespan of the installation
• Revitalize neighborhoods
  
  

Maintaining a green infrastructure installation isn’t just standard landscaping — it includes a mix of environmental stewardship, inspection, and light infrastructure repair. The goal is to keep the system functioning as designed so it can properly capture, store, and infiltrate stormwater while providing an amenity for the community.

• Routine maintenance activities performed by landscape contractors may include:
• Removing sediment, debris, trash, and blockages
• Repairing erosion and replacement of damaged materials
• Weed control and removal
• Watering and maintaining vegetation
• Mulching and plant care
• Mowing turf grass and maintaining clean landscape edges
  
  

How to Get Certified

The Mid-America Regional Council GSI Maintenance Certification Program prepares professionals to properly maintain green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and meet evolving industry standards. Designed for contractors, maintenance staff, and related professionals, the program builds the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to support effective stormwater management.

Stay connected:

As KC Water’s Green Maintenance Program continues to grow, more contracting opportunities could potentially become available. Submit your contact information to stay up-to-date on the latest opportunities.