Wastewater

Public Notice: Updated Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:42:44 +0000

Public Notice: Updated Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use Melissa.Reeves… Wed, 03/11/2026 - 10:42 March 11, 2026

Johnson County Wastewater has updated the Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use. A public hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 26. For additional details, please see the complete public notice below.

TO: All Property Owners in the Consolidated Main Sewer District of Johnson County, Kansas

You are hereby notified that a public hearing will be held on March 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building, 111 South Cherry Street, Olathe, KS, conducted by the Board of County Commissioners of Johnson County, Kansas, as the Governing Body of this District. A live broadcast will be available at boccmeetings.jocogov.org and on YouTube. Public comments will be accepted in-person for those who preregister, and also, comments will be accepted at the time of the public hearing. Individuals wishing to preregister to speak or make a written public comment may complete the proper form by Wednesday at noon before the public hearing.

The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment on the updated Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use (Code), 2026 Edition, incorporating required revisions of the pretreatment streamlining rule, applicable to all real property and owners of real property now or hereafter located within or served by sewer districts and/or sewer facilities owned, operated, or maintained by the Board of County Commissioners of Johnson County, Kansas; to all users of such sewer facilities including users served by inter-local agreements as delineated by each agreement; and to any person who uncovers, makes a connection with or opening into, uses, alters, disturbs or damages sewer facilities owned, operated, or maintained by the Board of County Commissioners of Johnson County, Kansas. A copy of the code is available for inspection at jcw.org or at the offices of Johnson County Wastewater, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 2500, Olathe, KS 66061, or at the Office of the Board of County Commissioners, Johnson County Administration Building 111 S. Cherry Street, Suite 3300, Olathe, KS 66061.

Johnson County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act; persons who may need assistance, the use of a sign language or oral interpreter, or who require special accommodations, should contact us at accessibility@jocogov.org, via the Kansas Relay Operator at 800-766-3777, or by phone at 913-715-0430 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting.

Susan D. Pekarek, General Manager

Johnson County Wastewater

View Updated Code

Updated Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use 2026

Department:

Wastewater

Category:

Public Notices

Start, Transfer or Stop Wastewater Service

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:12:25 +0000

Start, Transfer or Stop Wastewater Service Melissa.Reeves… Wed, 03/11/2026 - 09:12

Moving? Expanding your business? Click one of the icons below to start, transfer or stop wastewater services.

Start Service

Transfer Service

Stop Service

FAQ

Before requesting to start wastewater service, please contact your local water provider to start water service if you haven’t already done so.

Once Johnson County Wastewater receives notification that water service has started in your name, we will begin invoicing for sewer service.

Johnson County Wastewater invoices for sewer service bimonthly (every other month) and the average of the County is 11,400 gallons. You can expect to receive your first wastewater invoice roughly 2-3 weeks after you receive your first water bill which will include your customer number.

After you receive your second wastewater bill give us a call and we can adjust the bill if under the county average, with at least 30 days of service.

If you have any questions, please contact customer service at 913-715-8500.

After you request to start wastewater service, please be sure to contact your local water provider to start water service, if you haven’t already done so. Once Johnson County Wastewater receives notification that water service has started in your name from your water provider, we will begin invoicing for sewer service.

Johnson County Wastewater invoices for sewer service monthly based on exact use provided to us by your water purveyor. You can expect to receive your first wastewater invoice roughly 2-3 weeks after you receive your first water bill.

If you need further assistance, please contact customer service at 913-715-8500.

After you request to transfer wastewater service, please be sure to contact your local water provider to transfer water service if you have not already done so. Once Johnson County Wastewater receives transfer notification from the water department a final bill will generate, and new service will begin at your new address.

Please note you may have a new customer number at your new address and your water history will follow you.

If you have any questions, please contact customer service at 913-715-8500.

In addition to requesting to stop wastewater service, please be sure to contact your local water provider to cancel water service if you have not already done so. Johnson County Wastewater will continue to bill for services until we receive termination notification from the water provider.

Once Johnson County Wastewater receives the final water meter read a final bill will be generated.

If you need further assistance, please contact our customer service center at 913-715-8500.

Did You Know?

There is no such thing as a "flushable" wipe. Wet wipes should never be flushed down the drain. Help us protect our sanitary sewers by disposing of wet wipes in the trash.

Have questions?

913-715-8500
JCW-Solutions@jocogov.org
11811 S. Sunset Dr., Suite 2500, Olathe, KS 66061

Lane closure on State Line Road due to Johnson County Wastewater project scheduled for March 11

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:49:44 +0000

Lane closure on State Line Road due to Johnson County Wastewater project scheduled for March 11 Melissa.Reeves… Wed, 03/04/2026 - 12:49 March 4, 2026

Due to a Johnson County Wastewater project, State Line Road will be reduced to one northbound and one southbound lane beginning tentatively on March 11. The boundaries of this closure are between 92nd Street and 95th Street and from 100th Terrace to 103rd Street. Please see the maps for details.

This closure is due to the construction of a new sanitary sewer forcemain and repaving of the southbound lanes of State Line Road. Work in these areas is expected to be completed in May, weather permitting.

This work is part of the State Line Pump Stations and Forcemain project. To learn more about this project, or to sign up for notifications, please visit jcwprogram.com/stateline.

Learn more about Johnson County Wastewater.

Department:

Wastewater

Category:

Construction

News

News Releases

Women’s History Month Spotlight: County Employees Shaping a Sustainable Future

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:05:11 +0000

Women’s History Month Spotlight: County Employees Shaping a Sustainable Future tim.dodderidge… Thu, 02/26/2026 - 15:05 February 26, 2026

March is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the accomplishments of women throughout American history. This year's theme is "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future," recognizing the impact women have made in making our communities more sustainable amid a variety of global challenges.

During Women's History Month, Johnson County Government is celebrating women who are contributing to the sustainability of our community through environmental, economic, education and social justice efforts. Serving in the areas of stormwater management, mental health and more, these employees are helping make our county a better place for all. We celebrate them and all of the women with Johnson County Government for their dedication to public service!

Supporting Vulnerable People with Housing Needs

Heather McNeive, Housing Services

As Housing Services Director, Heather McNeive oversees efforts to address Johnson County’s housing needs for low-income and vulnerable households. This work is carried out by the Housing Services team, which delivers critical economic and housing sustainability services with dignity and respect.

McNeive helps with implementation of programs including the Housing Choice Voucher or “Section 8” rental assistance program, which serves the lowest-income and most vulnerable members of our community. Her department has made strides to expand access for households experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations through initiatives such as the Limited Homeless Preference and the Foster Youth to Independence voucher program, which supports young adults aging out of foster care.

In addition, the department’s home repair programs preserve the long-term affordability and quality of the community’s affordable housing stock. McNeive is proud of her team’s commitment to improving homeowners’ quality of life while ensuring these homes remain available to future generations.

“As a woman in public service, I strive to lead with integrity, self-reliance, and accountability. Throughout my career, I have been guided by exceptional female mentors who modeled professionalism, perseverance, and principled leadership. Their example has reinforced my commitment to advocating for low-income housing programs that are essential to the strength and stability of our community,” McNeive said.

Improving the Environment Through Stormwater Management

Heather Schmidt, Public Works

In her current role as the Program Manager for the Stormwater Management Program, Heather Schmidt works with her team on the issues of flood risk and water quality in Johnson County. Her department develops programs and provides funding assistance to municipalities to implement sustainable approaches to address flood risk and improve water quality.

Schmidt began as the water quality specialist for the program. A large part of this role entailed education residents on what they could do to make environmentally sustainable decisions in their everyday lives — specifically, activities that could impact stormwater pollution. Then, as project manager in the program, she participated in a strategic planning process that opened up the program to nature-based solutions and green infrastructure. This led to a major project to complete watershed master plans for the entire county – for which Schmidt was the project manager. She is particularly proud of this work. as it laid the groundwork for advancing environmentally sustainable programs and projects through the program in the future.

Schmidt has worked in public service her entire career, starting with the U.S. Geological Survey where she learned data collection for streamflow and water quality that helped keep the public informed of flood risk and water quality conditions in their communities. That work continues through her current position as Stormwater Management works to reduce flood risk and improve water quality for residents.

“As a woman in the public sector, particularly in a science-based field, I am encouraged by the changes in representation I’ve seen over the years,” Schmidt said. “Early in my career, I was sometimes the only or one of a few women in the room, I’m encouraged by that not being the case as much anymore, and I’m excited to work with the next generation of women passionate about public service and the environment. “

Managing Wastewater Communications Efforts

Melissa Reeves, Wastewater

Community Relations Manager Melissa Reeves' role leading communications and community engagement for Johnson County Wastewater gives her a unique opportunity to tell stories to residents that connect clean water infrastructure to the public servants who provide these important services.

Reeves coordinates outreach with local schools, which helps team members educate students on Wastewater's role in public health and inspire the next generation of water sector leaders. Additionally, she manages the internship and job shadow program, manages it web content, social media pages and customer newsletter, and creates content that educates the community and celebrates team members. Reeves also leads internal communication for more than 200 employees.

A sanitary sewer utility may not traditionally be a place where women feel empowered to grow their careers, but to Reeves, that's what makes Johnson County Wastewater special. This is an agency with women leaders throughout, which includes its General Manager and Chief Engineer. Not only does Reeves get to fulfill her calling to be a public servant, but she gets to do it in an organization that allows her to be her whole self.

“I am fortunate to serve alongside some of the most brilliant, hard-working and impactful people I have ever met. This includes not only the amazing, awe-inspiring women I serve with, but everyone in my organization who celebrates our work, champions our ascension, and encourages us to take up space," Reeves said.

Leading Change in Mental Health and Community Well-Being

Shana Burgess and Liz Worth, Mental Health

Liz Worth and Shana Burgess with Johnson County Mental Health Center bring heart and strategy to the work of making mental health care more accessible, equitable and sustainable.

Worth, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, serves as Deputy Director at the Mental Health Center, and Burgess, a Licensed Master Social Worker, serves as Director of Prevention and Community Relations. Between the two of them, their leadership centers dignity, access and long-term impact, especially for communities that have historically faced barriers to care.

With more than 23 years in community mental health, Worth brings a whole-health lens to leadership, grounded in both clinical experience and advocacy. Her leadership style is shaped by empathy, inclusion and relationship-building, paired with a strong drive to turn vision into action.

“Mental health care is strongest when it is rooted in community,” Worth said. “When we work together to reduce stigma and expand access, we build resilience that supports people across every stage of life.”

Burgess brings more than 20 years of experience strengthening individual and community health, with a particular focus on mental health and suicide prevention. In her role, she leads Prevention Services, Community Relations and Employee Experience teams, translating community needs into action through strategic communication and community mobilization.

"It's a privilege to support the people and partnerships that strengthen our community’s wellbeing. The work is both humbling and motivating, shaping my growth and deepening my commitment to serving those who show up each day for this shared purpose,” Burgess said.

Together, Worth and Burgess show how women’s leadership strengthens systems by centering relationships, equity and shared responsibility. Their work reflects a long-term commitment to building mental health supports that are not only effective, but trusted and accessible for all people — regardless of background, identity or circumstance.

Department:

Housing

Mental Health

Public Works

Wastewater

Category:

News

Rate Brochure

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:10:42 +0000

Rate Brochure Melissa.Reeves… Thu, 01/08/2026 - 09:10

Your first bill of the year will include a one-page rate brochure. The information on this page is available within that rate brochure.

Johnson County Wastewater is responsible for the safe collection, transportation and treatment of wastewater generated by residential, industrial and commercial customers.

Rates

Residential customers are billed for sanitary sewer service every two months. The current wastewater charge is $10.85 per 1,000 gallons. In 2026, a median residential customer will be billed $109.68 every other month to collect, transport and treat wastewater.

To determine your residential charge, we multiply your volume of average winter water usage by the wastewater charge and add the service charge of $23.21 per bill.

How your wastewater bill is calculated

We base your average winter water usage volume on the water you used during the previous year’s winter months (four of the six months between November and April), depending on your billing cycle.

Your average winter water usage, AWWU, is the best estimate of the amount of wastewater you send to our treatment facilities throughout the year. We measure your usage in the winter because we don’t treat the water you use outside in the summer. For example, water used on your lawn does not flow into the wastewater system.

Rate comparison to other KC metro wastewater utilities

Your bill recovers the costs associated with maintaining, replacing and expanding the county’s wastewater infrastructure and cleaning the wastewater. To avoid rate spikes, we make adjustments to our long-range rate plan each year.

By practicing long-term rate planning and reinvesting in our sewer collection and treatment systems, we have been able to keep our rates among the lowest in the metro area and below the national average (see graph).

JCW’s 2026 rate increase of 5% is driven primarily by the Nelson Wastewater Improvement Project and continued investment in capital renewal, which sustains service levels and delivers cost-effective solutions to regulatory compliance. Learn more at jcwnelson.com.

State and federal regulations are requiring stricter discharge limits for ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus and the treatment technology in place at Nelson is not capable of meeting these future water quality standards. Additionally, Nelson is the oldest facility in our service area and is at the end of its useful life as much of the facility is in need of replacement. Nelson is also the first step in increased wet-weather treatment capacity for the service area.

All these factors impact the rate you see on your bill.

Sample Wastewater Bill

1. Average Winter Water Usage: This is the average amount of wastewater you discharged to our facilities last winter. See reverse side for more information about how AWWU is calculated. The previous year’s AWWU is also provided to help you see how your usage has changed; if your bill has gone up significantly, a change in usage may be the reason.

2. Invoice period: You are being billed for services in this date range. Note that there are often two rates on the first bill of the year because the service period has wastewater usage from last year and this year. This is also why the first bill of the year is often a different amount than the following five bills of the year.

3. Current Charges: The units/usage here should reflect your Current Year AWWU. The rate is the charge per gallon. For 2026, the rate is $0.01085, or $10.85 per 1,000 gallons. You’ll also see a service charge on every bill. This helps cover costs for stormwater that enters service lines and administrative costs. When two rates are displayed it is due to the invoice period. Some of the charges may be billed on the previous rate and the other charges may be billed on the new rate, depending on the date of your invoice and if it includes a prior year’s service.

4. Total Balance Due: This is the amount to pay to keep your bill current. See reverse side to learn how this amount is calculated.

Commercial Customers

Commercial customer invoices are calculated and billed unique from residential customers. Properties with commercial land use zoning are billed monthly based on actual water usage.

Need help paying your bill?

Contact JCW at 913-715-8500 for payment arrangement consideration.
Contact Johnson County Human Services at 913-715-6653 for the Utility Assistance Program. Households must qualify.

Contact

Customer Service: 913-715-8500
Connect: Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn
To report a sewer backup that requires immediate attention, please call the 24/7 Emergency Line: 913-715-8600.
Visit NotifyJoCo.org to sign up for Johnson County Government’s notification system to stay informed about wastewater projects in your area.

Back of Bill - Commercial

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:00:24 +0000

Back of Bill - Commercial Melissa.Reeves… Thu, 01/08/2026 - 09:00

Wastewater Billing Information

Commercial/industrial customers are billed monthly based on water usage reported to Johnson County Wastewater by their water purveyor.

Commercial Sewer Rates

For Commercial/Industrial rates, please visit: jocogov.org/department/wastewater/commercial-customers/ commercial-sewer-rates to learn more about how to understand your bill.

Explanation of Charges

The service, usage, and strength (BOD and TSS) charges and other fees recover the costs associated with capital and operating expenditures.

A service charge is assessed to recover costs of account administration and billing as well as treatment of groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system.

Usage and strength charges recover the costs of capital and operating expenditures that pay for expansions, upgrades, and major repairs of the sanitary sewer system.

Interest Charges and Penalties

JCW follows Johnson County Government’s policies.

Interest on delinquent accounts accrues daily at 13% per annum for balances less than $10,000 and 15% per annum for balances of $10,000 and greater.

A penalty charge of $30 is assessed for returned checks and AutoPay debit returns, Per Resolution WD13-022 after a 30-day notice. Discontinuance of wastewater service due to delinquent unpaid balances could occur. JCW may utilize a third-party collection agency to recover balances owed on delinquent accounts.

Liens

The property owner is liable for all their past due amounts and all costs associated with collecting delinquent accounts. If the charges are not paid in full, a lien may be attached to the real property from which the fees are being collected and is subject to foreclosure and collection in the same manner that delinquent real estate taxes are handled under Kansas Law.

Commercial Sewer Use Credit Program

This is a voluntary program for commercial customers who install a deduct meter for water not entering the sanitary sewer. Additional details about this program are available at jocogov.org/department/wastewater/commercial-customers/sewer-use-credit.

Customer Service

Visit NotifyJoCo.org to sign up for Johnson County Government’s notification system to stay informed about wastewater projects in your area.
Customer Service Center Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Local: 913-715-8500 | Fax 913-715-8501 | TTY/TDD 1-800-766-3777
To report a sanitary sewer emergency, please call: 913-715-8600 (24 hours, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays)

Paying Your Bill

Pay and manage your account online at jcw.org.

Payment Methods

EFT (Check) allows you to authorize the automatic transfer of funds directly from your financial institution to pay your wastewater bill on your due date. No Fee.
Check by Phone allows you to pay with your bank account by calling 913-715-8500.
Credit or Debit Card by Phone allows you to pay with your credit/debit card by calling 913-715-8500. Convenience fee applies.
Walk-in payments are accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. JCW’s business office is located at 11811 S. Sunset Dr., Ste. 2500, Olathe, KS 66061.
A Drop Box is available as you enter our parking lot.

You may also mail your payment to Johnson County Wastewater, P.O. Box 950599, St. Louis, MO 63195-0599 and include the remittance slip in the envelope provided with your bill. JCW does not accept cash payments by mail.

Back of Bill - Residential

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:55:37 +0000

Back of Bill - Residential Melissa.Reeves… Thu, 01/08/2026 - 08:55

Wastewater Billing Information

Residential customers are billed bi-monthly and based on an Average Winter Water Use amount.

The AWWU is your wastewater flow based on your actual water used during the previous year’s winter months, on either three or four months of winter usage, depending on how often the water purveyor reads the water meter and your Johnson County Wastewater billing cycle. Water usage during the winter is the best method for reasonably estimating the volume of wastewater discharged to JCW’s wastewater treatment facilities. Winter water measurements are used to avoid charging for heavier summer uses that do not impact the wastewater treatment system such as watering lawns and gardens, washing cars or filling swimming pools.

A default AWWU may be assigned and billed to JCW customers when an accurate, measured, or calculated usage history is not available. The default bimonthly AWWU for single family residential customers is 11,400 gallons. Customers who are moving and staying in the JCW district or have a recent documented AWWU from another water purveyor may contact JCW to have their usage evaluated.

Residential Sewer Rates

For residential rates, please visit: jocogov.org/department/wastewater/residential-customers/residential-sewer-rates, or scan the QR code, to learn more about how to understand your bill.

Explanation of Charges

The service, usage and strength charges and other fees recover the costs associated with capital and operating expenditures.

A service charge is assessed to recover costs of account administration and billing as well as treatment of groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system.

Usage charges recover the costs of capital and operating expenditures that pay for expansions, upgrades, and major repairs of the sanitary sewer system.

Interest Charges and Penalties

JCW follows Johnson County Government’s policies.

Interest on delinquent accounts accrues daily at 13% per annum for balances less than $10,000 and 15% per annum for balances of $10,000 and greater.

Liens

Customer Service

Visit NotifyJoCo.org to sign up for Johnson County Government’s notification system to stay informed about wastewater projects in your area.
Customer Service Center Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Local: 913-715-8500 | Fax 913-715-8501 | TTY/TDD 1-800-766-3777
To report a sanitary sewer emergency, please call: 913-715-8600 (24 hours, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays)

Paying Your Bill

Pay and manage your account online at jcw.org.

Payment Methods

EFT (Check) allows you to authorize the automatic transfer of funds directly from your financial institution to pay your wastewater bill on your due date. No fee.
Check by Phone allows you to pay with your bank account by calling 913-715-8500.
Credit or Debit Card by Phone allows you to pay with your credit/debit card by calling 913-715-8500. Convenience fee applies.
Walk-in payments are accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. JCW’s business office is located at 11811 S. Sunset Dr., Ste. 2500, Olathe, KS 66061.
A Drop Box is available as you enter our parking lot.

Johnson County Wastewater names Tami Lorenzen as new Chief Engineer

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:07:12 +0000

Johnson County Wastewater names Tami Lorenzen as new Chief Engineer Melissa.Reeves… Fri, 11/21/2025 - 11:07 November 21, 2025

Chief Engineer Tami Lorenzen

Johnson County Wastewater is excited to announce that Tami Lorenzen has been selected as the new Chief Engineer for the utility. The current Chief Engineer, Aaron Witt, is retiring after 26 years of exemplary service. Lorenzen will step into this role on Monday, Nov. 24.

“I am honored to be chosen for this critical leadership position at Johnson County Wastewater,” said Lorenzen. “I look forward to supporting the engineering division across all aspects of our work and maintaining the wonderful culture that we have at JCW.”

Lorenzen currently serves as the Assistant Chief Engineer for Integrated Planning for JCW. She is also temporarily serving as Interim Director of Public Works and County Engineer. At JCW she has been responsible for facilitating its comprehensive 25-year capital improvement plan to meet regulatory requirements, reinvest in existing assets and support growth in the County. She also managed the $334 million Tomahawk Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements project.

“Tami was the perfect person to succeed Aaron as Chief Engineer,” said JCW General Manager Susan Pekarek. “Aaron is one of the most impactful, knowledgeable, and thoughtful leaders in our utility’s history, and Tami will continue his legacy of excellence while bringing her own unique skills and boundless abilities to the role. She is a fantastic leader, diligent public steward and brilliant engineer, and I am confident she will excel as the leader of our engineering division.”

Prior to joining the County, Lorenzen worked 17 years in private engineering consulting. She received her B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering and her M.S. degree in Civil Engineering, both from Kansas State University. She has 29 years of experience in the wastewater industry and is a licensed professional engineer in Kansas.

“Our engineering division embraces the principles of a high performing organization by working as a team to develop solutions that improve the service we provide,” said Lorenzen. “I am eager to utilize that philosophy to identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration within JCW and with other County departments. Building on the solid foundation I am inheriting from Aaron, I look forward to working with our team as we grow and implement strategic initiatives for the department and Johnson County Government.”

About Johnson County Wastewater

Johnson County Wastewater provides sanitary sewer services to more than 500,000 people in Johnson County, Kansas. Its work protects the rivers, lakes and streams while renewing life’s essential resource.

Learn more about Johnson County Wastewater.

Department:

Wastewater

Category:

News Releases

Johnson County saves nearly $5 million on Wastewater project

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:15:48 +0000

Johnson County saves nearly $5 million on Wastewater project tim.dodderidge… Thu, 11/20/2025 - 11:15 November 20, 2025

Johnson County Wastewater will save nearly $5 million on improvements to an influent pump station at its Mill Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility due to a bid for the project that included an innovative, cost-saving approach.

MegaKC was selected to construct the improvements in a competitive bidding process. It is a local contractor with experience in wastewater construction that has previously been selected for construction contracts with Johnson County Wastewater and other nearby utilities.

Susan Pekarek, General Manager of JCW, said the company used an innovative approach to precast the concrete work for the improvements instead of constructing it onsite, which saved nearly $5 million in costs from the next-highest bidder.

JCW and the county undertake a variety of approaches to ensure local bidders have adequate information to help them prepare and make the best proposals, said Pekarek.

First, the utility brings in prospective bidders for pre-bid meetings and site visits so they can gain greater insight into the project.

Second, JCW lists projects on its integrated plan website so local contractors can get a sense of the kind of work that is available soon.

Pekarek said this kind of savings provides flexibility to help JCW maintain stable rates and address other priority areas in the wastewater system.

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the contract award last week.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Wastewater

Category:

News Releases

Johnson County Water Summit brings together state and local officials for collaboration

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:07:32 +0000

Johnson County Water Summit brings together state and local officials for collaboration tim.dodderidge… Mon, 10/20/2025 - 14:07 October 20, 2025

Community and municipal leaders, elected officials and water professionals from around Johnson County and the state of Kansas gathered Friday, Oct. 17, at the 2025 Johnson County Water Summit for a morning of learning and collaboration.

The summit featured welcome remarks from Commissioner Becky Fast, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, and Whitney Wilson, WaterOne Board Chair.

It took place from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., in Overland Park.

It included organizational overviews from a variety of groups focused on water issues in the community. A panel discussion with Q&A featured representatives from state and local officials working on water issues.

Attendees also took a tour of the Johnson County Museum’s “Ripples” exhibit immediately following the event.

The event was hosted by Johnson County Wastewater, Johnson County Stormwater, WaterOne and the Kansas Water Office.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Public Works

Wastewater

Category:

News