Public Works

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

Johnson County will use $490,000 in state and federal grants for better safety on rural roads

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:57:25 +0000

Johnson County will use $490,000 in state and federal grants for better safety on rural roads tim.dodderidge… Fri, 12/12/2025 - 09:57 December 12, 2025

Around a half-million dollars will be invested in rural roads after the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved two sizeable transportation grants at its regular meeting Thursday.

A $250,000 High Risk Rural Road grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation will be used to add rumble strips on approximately 24 miles of unincorporated county roads.

Rumble strips are thin ridges of pavement on the edges of a road that warn the driver when they are leaving the marked lane. The rumble strips give drivers physical and audio signals to correct their courses and stay on the pavement. Rumble strips are an important strategy to reduce the number of run-off-the-road crashes.

The county will provide another $48,420 from its bridge, culvert and road capital improvement program for a total of $298,420 to be spent in southeast Johnson County and areas west of Moonlight Road between 115th Street and 151st Street.

The BOCC also approved an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration for a $240,000 Safe Streets for All grant. The local match for the grant is $60,000, and $30,000 will come from county funds. The Kansas Department of Transportation will reimburse the county for the other $30,000.

These funds will be used to update the data needed to prioritize road projects and complete a Federal Action Plan for those projects. This will be an update to Johnson County’s current Long-Range Safety plan. Under that plan, the crash rate on unincorporated roads dropped 33% from 2013-2024, even though the amount of traffic on those roads increased 49%.

The county’s portion for this agreement also will come from the bridge, culvert and road capital improvement program.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Public Works

Category:

News Releases

Johnson County prohibits large truck traffic on rural roads near Spring Hill

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:46:46 +0000

Johnson County prohibits large truck traffic on rural roads near Spring Hill tim.dodderidge… Fri, 11/07/2025 - 09:46 November 7, 2025

After traffic studies, a recommendation from the County Engineer and review by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Board of County Commissioners has prohibited truck traffic along the following roads in the unincorporated part of the county (near Spring Hill), where several documented truck crashes have occurred.

Vine Street, beginning at 198th Street then south to 199th Street
Chestnut Street, beginning at 198th Street then south to 199th Street
Main Street, beginning at 198th Street then south to 199th Street
198th Street, beginning at Vine Street then east to Main Street
199th Street, beginning at Vine Street then east to Main Street

Both the traffic studies and Sheriff’s Office review determined these roads are not suitable for trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 16,000 pounds or greater. These roads are too narrow with no outlet and no place to turn around.

The resolution will allow an exception for local trucks, emergency vehicles, agricultural vehicles and road maintenance vehicles. Large trucks are allowed on 199th Street, east of US-169 Highway, which is adjacent to this area.

State law requires that the BOCC authorize the installation of regulatory traffic control signs such as stop signs, yield signs, speed limits, no-parking signs and truck weight limits. Enforcement will begin on a road as soon as “No truck” signs have been posted.

Similar action was taken by the BOCC in December 2022 with unincorporated roads near the city of Gardner. You can learn more about Johnson County’s no-truck routes on this webpage.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Public Works

Sheriff

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

Johnson County’s Public Works team earns back-to-back Team Trophies

Andy.Hyland@jocogov.org — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:29:25 +0000

Johnson County’s Public Works team earns back-to-back Team Trophies Andy.Hyland@jo… Thu, 10/16/2025 - 12:29 October 16, 2025

Once again, Johnson County’s Public Works team earned the top award during competitive events held during the 2025 American Public Works Association’s Mid-America Equipment Expo. During the competition, 254 contestants representing 22 agencies competed in six events: skid steer, mini excavator, small plow truck, large plow truck, wheel loader and mechanic competitions.

This was the second consecutive year Johnson County Public Works earned the Team Trophy.

“I am so proud of our Public Works team members who had such a strong showing at this event,” said Tami Lorenzen, interim director of Johnson County’s Public Works department. “This was an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills and dedication with some friendly competition among their peers, but our community members are the true winners thanks to the work our crews perform every day.”

In addition to earning the Team Trophy, several of the county’s Public Works team members earned awards for top performance:

Jeff Swartz – 1st place, skid steer
Jeremey Biles – 1st place, large plow truck
Clint Atkin – 3rd place, small plow truck
Joshuah Drake – 4th place, mini excavator
Joshuah Drake – 4th place, wheel loader

Along with competitive events, the Expo featured training sessions and educational opportunities for those in the public works field. Learn about our Public Works department and see how the crews train for the winter season of clearing roads in the unincorporated portions of the county.

Department:

Public Works

Category:

News

News Releases

$43.8 million in county funding will support 2026 roadway and stormwater system improvements across the county

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:19:44 +0000

$43.8 million in county funding will support 2026 roadway and stormwater system improvements across the county tim.dodderidge… Fri, 10/10/2025 - 09:19 October 10, 2025

Two long-standing infrastructure programs that improve roadways and stormwater systems in Johnson County will receive about $43.8 million for 2026, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners decided during its Oct. 9 meeting.

Thirteen projects in 13 cities in the county will receive funding through the County Assistance Road System, commonly known as CARS. County funding of $18.8 million will support the top-priority project in each of the cities receiving funding.

The Stormwater Management Program’s 2026 plan will be funded at $25 million and includes 19 system assessment and replacement capital projects and four watershed improvements.

Since its inception, more than $780 million in CARS and Stormwater Management Program funds have been invested in infrastructure. Johnson County’s Public Works department manages both programs.

“Collaboration between cities and the county is essential as we prioritize critical infrastructure projects,” said BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly. “By investing in roads and flood control efforts, we are serving the needs of our growing community and maintaining the vital assets our residents depend upon every day.”

CARS Program

Half of all 2026 CARS Program funds will go to 10 major road-maintenance projects. Nearly half (49%) will pay for two projects that will increase traffic capacity, and the remainder (1%) will be earmarked for a route enhancement project in Fairway that replaces sidewalks and adds accessible sidewalk ramps at curbs.

The top four highest-funded projects for 2026 include:

Switzer Road from 167th to 179th Streets in Overland Park

The current asphalt road will be replaced with a two-lane concrete street with new shoulders, curbs and sidewalks. The bridge over Coffee Creek will be replaced, and storm sewers and street lighting will be updated.

CARS funding: $5.88 million
City of Overland Park funding: $15.5 million
Federal funding: $3.5 million

Quivira Road from 143rd to 151st Streets in Olathe

Quivira Road will be altered from an undivided two-lane road with drainage ditches to a divided roadway with concrete curbs, gutters, an enclosed storm-sewer system and bike lanes. Sidewalks also will be added.

CARS funding: $3.37 million
City of Olathe funding: $5.9 million
Federal funding: $3.5 million

Johnson Drive from Metcalf to Lamar Avenues in Mission

This stretch of Johnson Drive will receive major maintenance and include sidewalks, curb replacement, ADA-compliant ramps, street lighting, traffic signals and storm sewer rehabilitation.

CARS funding: $1.82 million
City of Mission funding: $1.95 million
Federal funding: $6 million

Midland Drive from Shawnee Mission Parkway to Interstate 435 in Shawnee

This 1.5-mile portion of Midland Drive will be replaced and reconstructed to include bike lanes. Curbs, gutters and lighting will be added, as will a sidewalk on the north side of the road.

CARS funding: $1.81 million
City of Shawnee funding: $9.28 million

CARS funding comes from a combination of a revenue from a gas tax and county support. The CARS Technical Review Committee, including representation from Johnson County cities, reviewed the 2026 expenditures and made recommendations to the BOCC. The program funds up to 50% of a project’s eligible construction and construction inspection costs. Cities are responsible for other project costs such as design, right-of-way and utility relocation.

Stormwater Management Program

The 2026 Stormwater Management Program is set at $25,013,842, including $2.46 million in program reserves that were previously allocated but were unspent. Of that total fund, about half (46%) will be earmarked for stormwater system inspection ($500,000) and 18 replacement projects ($11.09 million).

About $4.6 million will go to planning and support projects, such as research studies and engineering support, and $7.7 million will be designated for watershed improvement projects. The two largest expenditures in this category are:

Upper Turkey Creek stormwater improvements in Merriam. The Stormwater Management Program in 2026 will fund $1.5 million of a multi-year project. The City of Merriam will spend $500,000.
Rock Creek stormwater improvements from Lamar to Nall Avenues. This is a continuation of a project that began in 2025. For 2026 the SMP share is $1.25 million, and the City of Mission will fund that same amount. The total project amount will be $11.8 million with each entity contributing $5.6 million.

A 1/10 of one percent sales tax is dedicated to stormwater management and flood control projects, authorized by the Kansas Legislature in 1988 and approved by the BOCC. The Stormwater Management Program annually provides funds for stormwater planning, technical assistance and capital projects in Johnson County in partnership with our cities, and with other cities in the Kansas City region as part of the regional stormwater system.

The sales tax allows the county to create an annual stormwater management plan and provide 50% of funding for eligible design and construction projects in the county and cities in Johnson County. The BOCC created the Stormwater Management Program in 1990 and the Stormwater Management Advisory Council in 1994. The Council helps coordinate stormwater efforts and advises the BOCC on stormwater management related issues.

Details about CARS and the Stormwater Management Program are available at the Department of Public Works’ website at jocogov.org/department/public-works.

Projects from 2025 have been highlighted on the county’s social media channels. Visit the links below.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Public Works

Category:

News Releases

Stormwater program offers free native trees

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:47:57 +0000

Stormwater program offers free native trees tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 08/19/2025 - 13:47

By Lesley Rigney

Native trees – those naturally occurring in a specific area – offer ecological, aesthetic and practical benefits that make them ideal for the suburban landscape.

In partnership with Deep Roots KC, Johnson County Stormwater Management is giving away 200 3-gallon native trees provided by Forrest-Keeling Nursery with pre-registration and details available at containtherainjoco.com.

Possible tree options include redbuds, black gum, swamp white oak, sugar maple and tulip tree.

Stormwater Management will have a designated area for the tree giveaway at the Deep Roots KC Native Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Prairie Village Municipal Offices, 7700 Mission Road. Residents can also receive 50% off vouchers to purchase high quality native trees at the sale. Limited supplies will be available.

Most Johnson County cities also offer a native tree cost share program through containtherainjoco.com where residents may receive up to 50% reimbursement for planting native trees.

Why choose native trees?

Adaptable: These species have evolved over centuries to thrive in our local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient to pests, diseases and drought. This makes for a lower maintenance landscape!
Biodiversity: They provide essential food and habitat for our local birds, pollinators and other wildlife that depend on specific plants for survival. For example, oak species support hundreds of caterpillar species, which in turn feed nesting birds.
Aesthetics: Native trees blend naturally into the environment, creating a sense of place and connectivity with the surrounding ecosystem. They provide seasonal interest with blooms, fall color and attractive bark and branching structures. Species like American linden and black gum are stunning varieties!
Practical: The suburban tree canopy intercepts rainwater, increases the permeability of the soil to absorb stormwater runoff, cleans the air and provides critical shade.

Lesley Rigney is water quality specialist at the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program at the Department of Public Works.

System Management

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:37:53 +0000

System Management tim.dodderidge… Fri, 08/15/2025 - 15:37

Failed stormwater pipes can lead to large failures like sinkholes

A storm sewer system is a network of pipes, inlets, outlets, and other conveyance structures, both "gray" and "green," designed to collect stormwater runoff from our streets and homes. The system then conveys that runoff to surface waters like creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.

Unlike the wastewater systems that carry waste from our homes for treatment, stormwater runoff that is conveyed through storm sewers is not treated. Instead, it ends up in waterways untreated.

As Johnson County continues to grow and develop, it is important to remember that existing storm sewer system still needs to be maintained. It is essential for the Stormwater Management Program to assist cities with funding the inspection and replacement of their older, degraded storm sewer systems.

Strategic Asset Management Plan

Map of the storm sewer conveyance systems and natural waterways in the Brush Creek watershed

The System Management Program within the Stormwater Management Program accounts for approximately 30% of the program budget. The program provides a 50% cost-share with cities for replacement of eligible storm sewer assets.

In 2016, the Strategic Asset Management Plan established the need, funding and procedures for improving the overall condition of stormwater systems in the county. The plan provides guidance for prioritizing storm sewer inspection and replacement through the following processes:

Creating a countywide asset registry
Developing criteria for calculating risk for prioritization
Developing standards and policies
Establishing funding and maintenance procedures

For more information on the System Management Program, please review the Strategic Asset Management Plan & Addendum documents.

Strategic Asset Management Plan Plan Addendum

Cities & SMAC Partners: To apply for Stormwater Management Program funding for System Management projects, please follow the step-by-step submission instructions.

Water Quality Awareness Month: Tips for Keeping Streams Clean

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:40:30 +0000

Water Quality Awareness Month: Tips for Keeping Streams Clean tim.dodderidge… Thu, 07/31/2025 - 10:40 July 31, 2025

The health of our local streams, ponds and lakes is affected (and not in a good way) when trash and pollutants like fertilizer and pet waste end up in our waterways. This can happen through stormwater runoff and flooding, and it can affect residents and their pets as well as the local ecosystem.

August is Water Quality Awareness Month, a month devoted to protecting our precious natural resource: water. The Johnson County Stormwater Management Program shares five ways you can help protect this natural resource by keeping our streams clean.

1. Learn the Signs

Learn how to identify possible pollution in your streams to help catch pollution early on. You can identify pollution in streams or ponds through the following signs:

Trash
Soap-like suds or foam
Contrasting streaks of colors in the water like whites, browns or reds
Excessive algae
A foul odor

If you spot a possible sign of pollution in a county stream, alert your city or county’s environmental services department as soon as possible.

2. Properly Dispose of Waste

Never dump trash, pet waste or chemicals down storm drains – and make sure these pollutants don’t accidentally run off there. Common sources of stormwater pollution include:

Automotive fluids
Litter, including cigarette butts
Fertilizer and weed killer from yards
Grass clippings, leaves and other yard waste
Pet waste
Soap, paint, cleaning supplies and other household chemicals
Sediment from exposed ground

Chemicals such as lawn fertilizers, paint, soap and motor oil should be disposed through your city or county’s designated programs, such as the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility (drop-off by appointment only).

3. Participate in Community Clean-Up

Streams are important to the health of residents and our pets. By participating in local clean-up initiatives, you can create immediate, positive change in your community. Bridging the Gap offers volunteer opportunities, including litter cleanup, throughout the year.

“Plogging” – a Swedish term for picking up trash while jogging – is a fun and active way to participate in cleanup. Every October, the county and several cities participate in the Kansas City Plogtober competition. But you can “plog” with your family, friends or neighbors any time of the year.

4. Plant Native Vegetation

Help us “contain the rain!” The Johnson County Stormwater Management Program’s Contain the Rain program encourages residents to install landscape solutions to collect stormwater, preventing runoff into our streams.

These projects include planting native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers, which help filter pollutants, reduce erosion and support pollinators – all things that improve our local ecosystem. Contain the Rain reimburses applicants up to 50% of eligible expenses for these projects.

Looking for a native plant to add to your garden? View Johnson County’s list of approved native trees and plants.

5. Install a Rain Barrel or Cistern

The Contain the Rain program also covers projects like rain barrels and cisterns, which collect stormwater you can use to water your lawn and garden – preventing runoff in the process.

Rain barrels are simple and inexpensive to construct using supplies you can find at your local hardware store. The standard is a 55-gallon plastic barrel, but there are a wide variety of options.

The 2025 Contain the Rain program ends Nov. 1, but it’s never too early to start thinking about a native vegetation or rain barrel project for next year – the program reopens spring 2026. Learn more about Contain the Rain at containtherainjoco.com.

Department:

Public Works

Category:

News

Water Quality

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:41:48 +0000

Water Quality tim.dodderidge… Thu, 06/12/2025 - 12:41

Camp Creek near 95th Street and Corliss Road

Water is our planet's most valuable resource, and it's essential for our communities to thrive. Water quality determines the safety and suitability of our water, and it's especially important here in Johnson County.

Because of poor agricultural practice, legacy land-use issues, and developmental land cover change, there are a myriad of water quality concerns across the county. These include loss of aquatic habitat, nutrient enrichment, harmful algal blooms, pathogens, loss of life and property, as well as impacts to our drinking water. In Johnson County, stormwater pollution is our most alarming concern for water quality.

What is stormwater pollution?

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation falls, lands and flows across surfaces that lead to our surface waters (creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and ponds). Stormwater pollution is generated when that runoff is not allowed to soak into the ground because of impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces include sidewalks, roads, driveways, roofs and buildings. All of these surfaces prevent infiltration of stormwater into the soil where water and pollutants can be filtered through Earth's natural treatment system.

Pollution like trash, sediment, pet waste, bacteria, nutrients and chemicals can be picked up with stormwater as it runs off across these impervious surfaces, thereby introducing harmful pollution into our waterways. Remember this important adage:

"If it's on the ground, it's in our water."

What is a watershed?

Watersheds and Watershed Organizations in Johnson County

Watersheds are topographically defined areas of land where precipitation will flow across the landscape, storm sewer systems, urban areas and waterways to a central point. All land in Johnson County is within a watershed.

Watershed sizes can vary depending on the scale of interest. For example, Downtown Olathe is located in the Cedar Creek Watershed. This watershed includes Lake Olathe and drains stormwater from cities like Olathe, Lenexa and De Soto.

All the stormwater that falls around Downtown Olathe will flow through storm sewer pipes, into drainage channels and into Cedar Creek, which eventually drains into the Kansas River north of 83rd Street. If we widen our view, the Cedar Creek Watershed is located within the Kansas River Watershed, then the Missouri River Watershed and finally the Mississippi River Basin.

It's important to remember, we all live in a watershed.

Water Quality Improvement Projects

Floating wetland water quality project funded by the Stormwater Management Program, installed by the City of Overland Park at South Lake Park

The Stormwater Management Program's 2018 Strategic Plan established the need and desire to devote significant program dollars to protecting and improving water quality through studies and project funding.

Water quality improvement projects include an array of project types that encompass green stormwater infrastructure, environmental engineering, conservation practices and ecological restoration.

The Stormwater Management Program funds projects like floating wetlands, pervious pavement, riparian corridor restorations, conservation opportunities, bioretention wetlands and more.

Cities & SMAC Partners: Apply online for Stormwater Management Program funding for a Preliminary Project Study or Flood Risk Reduction Project by following the step-by-step submission instructions.

Water Quality Awareness Month

Water Quality Awareness Month occurs annually in August and raises awareness about the importance of our local water resources and how essential they are to our lives in Johnson County.

During the month of August, we share information, ideas and tips on the importance of clean water as well as what we can all do in our homes and communities to protect and preserve our most valuable resource.

Explore tips for keeping streams clean during 2025 Water Quality Awareness Month.

Contain the Rain

Help us "contain the rain!" The Johnson County Stormwater Management Program's Contain the Rain is a cost-share program that encourages Johnson County residents to install sustainable landscape solutions that benefit water quality. Learn more about this program.

Educating the Community

Friends of the Kaw and Hocker Grove Middle School students assessing Turkey Creek in Merriam

Since 2004, the Stormwater Management Program has led efforts to educate the community in stormwater management and water quality. The program is required to meet the Clean Water Act through many activities, none more important than informing the public, involving the community, and educating the next generation of Johnson County residents.

The program provides funding annually to all cities within the county to assist in their own Clean Water Act compliance. Through these services, funding, and programs, the Stormwater Management Program has worked with many partners, schools, educators, leaders and organizations to make the county a more educated and engaged community.

To learn more about some of the education currently being funded by the program, see the list of partners that are currently working in the county.

The Stormwater Management Program works with Friends of the Kaw to provide the Kids About Water program to educate middle school students across the county. This includes educating students about water quality, watersheds and stormwater runoff as well as hands-on activities in streams to learn about stream assessments and ecological health. In 2024, Friends of the Kaw educated and engaged over 2,000 students at five middle schools in Johnson County through funding provided by the program.

The Stormwater Management Program works with StoneLion Puppet Theatre to provide education to elementary school students through the art and media of large-scale puppet theater. These performances and workshops present environmental education in live performances as a way to educate and engage younger students. In 2024, Stone Lion Puppets educated and engaged over 6,000 students at 26 elementary schools in Johnson County through funding from the program.

The Stormwater Management Program works with the Olathe North High School Geosciences Program to provide educational and engagement opportunities for high school and elementary level students, as well as the public through workshops. The ONHS Geosciences Program trains high school students by providing rain garden and rain barrel workshops to the public, and educating elementary school students in water quality and earth sciences. In 2024, the ONHS Geosciences Program educated and engaged over 1,000 students in Johnson County through funding provided by the Stormwater Management Program.

Report Stormwater Pollution

If you would like to report pollution to the storm sewer system or waterways within city limits, please reach out to your city's code compliance department.

To report pollution to the storm sewer system or waterways in unincorporated Johnson County, please reach out to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.