1. What is the Wet Weather Solutions Program?
2. Why was the Wet Weather Solutions Program established? 
3. What problems are addressed by the Wet Weather Solutions Program?
4. How have the solutions been identified? 
5. What causes sanitary sewers to back-up? 
6. What is an overflow? 
7. Why does Kansas City need to control sewer overflows? 
8. How does the excess water get into the separate sanitary sewer system? 
9. Is Kansas City the only city dealing with this issue? 
10. What has the City done to address the problem? 
11. Are there things that citizens can do to help with the problem? 
12. Why is this issue important to me? 
13. What is the Stormwater Management Plan/KC-One? 
14. What is the Overflow Control Program? 
15. What is Waterways? 
16. What is the schedule for the program? 
17. Where is the combined sewer system area? 
18. Where is the separate sewer system area? 
19. How much and how often do the sewers overflow? 
20. How many buildings are flooded each year? 
21. How many homes have had water in their basements? 
22. Who is involved in the Wet Weather Solutions Program? 
23. What is a watershed? 
24. What are green solutions? 
25. What is the program going to cost? 
26. How are we going to pay for the Wet Weather Solutions Program? 
27. Why haven't these problems been addressed with existing rates? 
28. Voters passed a $500 million bond issue in 2005 for water and sewers; will more funds be needed? 
29. Why aren't you getting money from other sources – the federal government, state government, getting developers to pay for their own improvements, etc.? 
30. Why do I pay such a high stormwater fee and why isn't that money being used to fix the problem? 
31. If the sewers are such a big problem, why is the City spending so much money on stadiums, arenas and other things that are not nearly as important this issue? 
32. Why is all this money being spent on studies? You know what the problem is: the sewers are not big enough, so why don't you just make them bigger and start now, not years from now? 
33. I live north of the Missouri River, why should I pay to fix the Combined Sewer Overflow issue when I don't live in a Combined Sewer area?
34. Why should I pay for improvements to the sanitary sewers? 
35. Why wasn't the sanitary sewer problem fixed in 1994, when the US Environmental Protection Agency contacted the City about this problem?
36. Why have millions of dollars been spent on Brush Creek to turn it into a park without fixing this problem at the same time, when it would have been much cheaper? 
37. Do you think that installing rain gardens will solve this problem? 
38. Is Kansas City trying to find other ways to lower the cost of the project? 
39. How can the public find out more about this issue and the progress that is being made? 
40. How can I find out more information?

1. What is the Wet Weather Solutions Program?
The Wet Weather Solutions Program is designed to address sewer overflows, stormwater management, waterway uses and related problems with plans developed with extensive input from our residents. Through strong, creative leadership and a stewardship ethic, the Wet Weather Solutions Program will take action to manage the City's water resources in a sustainable way. 

The Wet Weather Solutions Program will: 

• Minimize loss of life and injury and reduce property damage due to flooding;
• Improve water quality; and 
• Maximize economic, social, and environmental benefits.

2. Why was the Wet Weather Solutions Program established? 
The Wet Weather Solutions Program was created to coordinate the activities of the Overflow Control Program, KC-One and Waterways. The coordination will avoid duplication of efforts and allow for the consideration of using multifaceted solutions that reduce flooding, improve water quality and protect and restore the natural environment.

These objectives are spread across the three programs, so a coordinated Wet Weather Solutions Program brings them together to consider the use of one solution to meet many objectives, which is more cost effective. Many of these initiatives involve extensive public education and public involvement.

The creation of the Wet Weather Solutions Program allows for the coordination of public involvement efforts so that the City can make the most of interactions with the public, demand less of citizens' time, and increase the likelihood of citizen engagement and feedback.

3. What problems are addressed by the Wet Weather Solutions Program?
The Wet Weather Solutions Program will address flooding, sewer overflows and water quality issues.

4. How have the solutions been identified? 
The City has evaluated many different options and gathered input from many groups and individuals. The City has looked to the public for information that is critical to developing an effective plan. This included talking to the public about existing conditions, desired outcomes, program goals, solution options and implementation. The City will use the information gathered from the public, technical experts, and federal regulations to identify solutions.

5. What causes sanitary sewers to back-up? 
Kansas City has an extensive system of sanitary sewer pipes that has been built over the past two centuries, but most people don't spend much time thinking about them. The sewer system is usually "out of sight and out of mind," especially on dry days. During heavy rain, wastewater can overflow and sewers may back-up in basements. 

When discussing issues with the sewer system, it is helpful to know two terms: wastewater and stormwater. Wastewater is the used water from our sinks, washing machine, dishwasher and our toilets. Stormwater is rainwater or snow melt.

Some sewer back-ups and wastewater overflows are caused by water that doesn't belong in the sanitary sewer system. During wet weather, stormwater or groundwater gets into the pipes that are designed to carry wastewater. When this happens, the mix of wastewater, stormwater and groundwater has to go somewhere. Unfortunately, the excess flow can force open manholes in the streets, cause water to overflow into nearby streams and even back-up into citizen's basements, making it a public health and safety issue as well as an environmental issue that impacts all Kansas Citians.

6. What is an overflow? 
Kansas City has two sanitary sewer systems and overflows are experienced in both systems. Wastewater is collected by an extensive system of pipes and transported to a treatment plant where it is treated and discharged to a river or stream. 

Combined Sewer Overflows: In the older parts of Kansas City, the same pipe that carries wastewater also collects rainwater runoff. This is called a Combined Sewer System. The practice of combining the storm drainage and wastewater system was common practice across the country from the early 1900s to the 1970s. Combined Sewers were built in most industrialized communities during that time because it was economical and efficient to use one pipe. 

Another advantage of the combined sewer system is that most of the time when rainfall is low to moderate, both the stormwater and wastewater go to the treatment plant before being discharged into streams and rivers. The disadvantage is that during heavy rains, wastewater combined with stormwater may exceed the capacity of the pipes. Excess flow may then be discharged into streams and rivers without receiving treatment at the treatment plant. 

A combined sewer overflow or CSO is a point within the combined sewer system where a portion of the water in the pipe may be diverted when the pipe is overloaded because of wet weather flow. Because the water carried in the combined sewer contains untreated sewage, the overflow may impact water quality. 

Sanitary Sewer Overflows: In newer parts of Kansas City, one pipe system carries wastewater, while another separate pipe system carries stormwater. This is called a Separate Sewer System. In a Separate System, wastewater travels through an extensive collection system in our yards and under our streets to pump stations located throughout the city and then on to a wastewater treatment plant. Stormwater travels through a separate system of pipes directly to a stream or river. Separate sewer systems are not designed to overflow like the combined sewer system. 

However, like most cities across the country, Kansas City's separate sewers sometimes fill with too much stormwater or ground water. The stormwater or groundwater entering the sanitary sewer is called infiltration and inflow (or I&I). Stormwater and groundwater doesn't belong in the sanitary sewer pipe and can cause it to back up into basements and overflow resulting in untreated sewage being released into the environment. This is called a Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) and is currently not permitted by state and federal regulations.

7. Why does Kansas City need to control sewer overflows? 
Addressing sewer overflows is the right thing to do for several reasons. First, sewer overflows can negatively impact public health and the environment. Second, federal and state regulations require the City to limit the amount and frequency of overflows. Third, sewer back-ups into basements are very unpleasant for residents. Kansas City is developing a plan to address sewer overflows that meets the needs of our citizens; and is not just meeting regulations. We are charting our own course and making decisions that are right for Kansas City.

8. How does the excess water get into the separate sanitary sewer system? 
Inflow is stormwater that directly enters the Separate Sanitary Sewer System, commonly through such things as sump pumps, area drains and downspouts. Stormwater should never flow into a sanitary system designed to carry only wastewater. 

Infiltration is groundwater that gets into the sewer system though open joints or cracks and breaks in the pipe or foundation drains. Many collection system pipes and household sewer lines have reached or exceeded their expected life. A deteriorated sewage collection system can become overloaded with stormwater and groundwater before reaching the treatment facility. Wet weather, in the form of heavy rains, magnifies this problem.

9. Is Kansas City the only city dealing with this issue? 
Almost every city has stormwater issues including flooding and water quality concerns. Kansas City is not the only city dealing with the issue of sewer overflows either. The Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified over 700 communities that are subject to Combined Sewer Overflow regulations. Almost every wastewater system in the country has issues with sanitary sewer overflows in the Separate Sanitary Sewer System. Kansas City is tackling the problems associated with stormwater and sewer overflows together looking for more creative, innovative, and integrated solutions.

10. What has the City done to address the problem? 
While flooding, overflows and sewer back-ups are not unique to Kansas City, the problem seems large, expensive and nearly overwhelming to fix. Because of the complexity of the issue, the City is developing an integrated Wet Weather Solutions Program Plan. This plan will address stormwater and sanitary sewer issues. The City has made progress on addressing the problems and is not waiting until the plan is completed. They have been making modifications to operations and maintenance practices, building projects and conducting water quality monitoring and other studies to better understand the systems. The City has invested over $96 million since 1996 to rehabilitate and repair sewers and pump stations. This work is on-going.

11. Are there things that citizens can do to help with the problem? 
While the City is making a substantial investment in improving the public systems and preventing future problems, citizens can help by making improvements to the portion of the system located on your property. 

Whether you live in the separate or combined sewer areas, there are many steps that citizens can take to improve the situation: 

• Plant a rain garden. Rain gardens are beautiful additions to any yard that slow stormwater runoff and let it absorb into the ground and naturally filter some pollution. Visit www.rainkc.com for more information. 
• Disconnect your downspouts, sump pumps, and area drains from your home's sewer line. Your downspout, sump pump and/or area drain may be connected to the sanitary sewer system and contribute to sewer overflows and back-ups. Disconnecting them and redirecting them into a rain garden or rain barrel will reduce the load on our sanitary sewer systems preventing dangerous, costly, and smelly overflows.
• Don't dump in drains. Take paint, oil, and lawn chemicals to your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal center; don't pour them down the drain. Contact (816) 513 - 8401 for locations and appointments in Kansas City. 
• Install rain barrels. Large amounts of stormwater run off your roof each time it rains. Collecting it with a rain barrel to use for watering on dry days saves your money and keeps that extra water from running into our sewers and waterways. 
• Wash your car in the right place. Washing your car in gravel or grass instead of in a driveway filters out sediment and soaps. You can also wash your car at a commercial car wash where water is often reused several times before it is sent to the treatment plant. 
• Install a backwater valve. A backwater valve is a mechanism to prevent sewer back-ups. Backwater valves provide a physical barrier to sewage backflowing into a home or business. A city permit is required to install a backwater valve. They should be installed by a licensed plumber to ensure accurate installation. 
• Check sewer cleanout pipes. Make sure the sewer cleanout pipe to your home's sewer line is capped. By keeping the cleanout capped, you can reduce the amount of rainwater in the sanitary sewer system, as well as prevent odors and gases from escaping. 
• Apply fertilizer and pesticides sparingly. Use lawn chemicals sparingly and never before it rains to reduce washing them into local waterways. Avoid using products with phosphorous which is a pollutant in our waterways. 
• Plant trees wisely. Avoid planting trees and shrubs over or near your home's sewer line or the City sewer lines in your yard. Roots can damage sewers causing basement back-ups. 
• Be safe during flood events. Don't drive through water in streets more than four (4) inches and don't let your kids play in flooded creeks or storm pipes. 
• Clean up after your pets. Flush or throw away pet waste; it isn't a good fertilizer and it can wash into our waterways untreated. 

12. Why is this issue important to me? 
Wet weather problems impact the quality of life for our whole community. Investing in our sewer systems and water quality is an investment in our city's future. Water is one of Kansas City's most valuable resources. It needs to be managed in a way that will improve water quality, reduce flood risk and damage and improve our community with the dollars invested to solve these problems. Citizens have experienced property damage and even loss of life during flood events.

Our sanitary sewers both north and south of the river overflow into streams carrying untreated sewage into our waterways. They are at capacity and growth cannot continue unless investments are made in the sanitary sewer systems. Whether you have a property that has been damaged by flood waters or want to make sure emergency services can reach you during a rain event, stormwater management is an important issue. 

We are formulating solid plans to figure out how to keep area creeks clean and basements dry; how to integrate public water-related infrastructure investments with transportation, parks, and private development plans, both within Kansas City and in adjacent communities. Ultimately, these efforts will strengthen opportunities for community investment and reinvestment while improving overall environmental quality. 

PROGRAM/ PLAN SPECIFICS 
13. What is the Stormwater Management Plan/KC-One? 
KC-One is a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan for Kansas City, Missouri. The mission of the KC-One Program is to create "One Plan, One People, and One Voice for the management of stormwater throughout Kansas City." The Water Services Department has identified 35 watersheds within Kansas City for which master plans have been or are being developed. KC-One has brought these 35 master plans together into one comprehensive plan and is in the process of detailing the City's strategy, policy and administrative plans for the future of the stormwater management program. 

14. What is the Overflow Control Program? 
The Overflow Control Program will identify projects to correct overflow problems; devise a schedule and estimated costs; and, provide a funding strategy. The mission of this planning process is to develop an Overflow Control Program that: "Protects public health & the environment, and meets regulations at an appropriate cost." 

15. What is Waterways? 
Waterways is a section of the Water Services Department that integrates project management and consensus building tools by using engineering, economic and social resources to achieve non-traditional program goals. 

Many Waterways projects have already been completed or are underway. They include work along Brush Creek, the Blue River, Turkey Creek, Indian Creek, the Little Blue River, and Town Fork Creek. Many of these projects involve bridge replacements, trails and channel improvements. 

16. What is the schedule for the program? 
The City Council directed the City Manager to prepare a plan for a program to more comprehensively address these issues.This was a multi-year planning process with extensive public participation.The first step was the development of a Work Plan for the combined sewer system and the separate sewer system which was approved by the regulatory agencies. 

The City has completed the Control Plan for both the combined sewer system and separate sanitary sewer system and the KC-One Stormwater Management Plan. This multi-year planning process involved data collection, extensive system evaluation, public input into potential control measures and preliminary funding strategies. The City developed specific plans to control overflows in the combined and separate sewer systems and a stormwater management plan including recommendations for operations, maintenance and capital investments.

A funding plan was also developed in 2008 which details the strategy used to fund the needs identified. It is anticipated that the Wet Weather Solutions Program Plan will be one of the most complex and expensive infrastructure programs ever undertaken by the City. Voter approval of long-range financing will likely be needed. 

Following plan development and funding approval, the program will be implemented. However, the City will not wait until the completed plan is in place to begin building projects and implementing improvements. They will continue to implement currently planned projects and "quick wins" identified during the planning process. The majority of the program improvements identified in the plan will be implemented over a 25 year period. 

17. Where is the combined sewer system area? 
Like many cities, Kansas City's combined sewers are primarily located in the older areas of the city. The construction of combined sewer systems was common practice across the country from the mid 1800s to the 1970s. Combined sewers were built because it was more economical to build one pipe rather than two. The area served by combined sewers is approximately 56 square miles from State Line, East to the Blue River and the Missouri River, South to 85th Street. 

18. Where is the separate sewer system area? 
The separate sewer system serves approximately 159 square miles of Kansas City. All of the area north of the Missouri River in Kansas City is served by separate sanitary and storm sewer systems. The area south of the Missouri River served by separate sanitary and storm sewer systems includes south of 85th Street and east of the Blue River. 

19. How much and how often do the sewers overflow? 
Over 6 billion gallons of untreated sewage overflows in our areas streams, lakes, and rivers in an average year. The frequency of the overflows depends on the location. Some areas of the City experience sewer overflows every time it rains, where other areas overflow only during larger rain storms. 

20. How many buildings are flooded each year? 
There are approximately 2,000 buildings in Kansas City with a high risk of flood damage. Buildings located in the floodplain have a higher risk of flooding than those that are not. Buildings not located in the floodplain have also been known to flood during big rainstorms. Flooding is widespread in Kansas City with over 1,000 areas of the city with known flooding problems. 

21. How many homes have had water in their basements? 
It is difficult to determine just how many homes have sewage backing up in their basements as many are not reported. In 2006 and 2008, statistically random sample surveys were administered to Kansas City residents giving us some insight into the extent of the problem. Of those that responded to the surveys, one third has had water in their basement from surface flooding or sewer back-ups. The majority say that the water in their basemen was a result of cracks in the foundation. Approximately 40% said it is a result of a sanitary sewer problem. Of the one third who said they had water in their basement, almost 50% said that they have had water in their basements four or more times. 

22. Who is involved in the Wet Weather Solutions Program? 
Over the past several years, over a thousand citizens have been involved in the Wet Weather Solutions Program. Since 2003, a group of dedicated citizens called the Wet Weather Community Panel have been meeting with city officials to craft this plan. The Panel consists of a group of individuals representing a balance of community interests and appointed by the Mayor, is working on this issue. 

Hundreds of people throughout the City served on eleven Basin Coordinating Committees in 2006 to 2007. The Wet Weather Solutions Coordinating Team is a group of interdepartmental staff members who meet about once a month to discuss wet weather related topics and share information on how to coordinate the City's wet weather efforts. 

The Wet Weather Solutions Program Team, which is made up of Water Services Department staff and consultants, make recommendations to the Water Services Director. The Water Services Director then makes recommendations to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council. The decision-making authority lies with the Mayor and City Council. 

23. What is a watershed? 
A watershed is all the land that water goes across to one point usually a stream, lake or river. Some people call it a basin. It's important to understand what a watershed is because what we do in the watershed affects the water quality and health of the streams, lakes and rivers. Some of the contributors in a watershed to water pollution include: combined sewer overflows & sanitary sewer overflows, stormwater/urban runoff, channel modifications, wastewater treatment plants, agriculture runoff. 

24. What are green solutions? 
Green solutions are strategies that result in on-the-ground projects which are specifically designed to reduce stormwater runoff, reduce water pollution, create recreational amenities, and protect our natural resources through the use of "green infrastructure" (also referred to as "natural systems") such as rain gardens, bio-retention facilities, stream restoration, stream buffers and other scientifically proven methods. 

Kansas City is going green by installing rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs that can be used to keep water on the property and treat the water where it falls. Green solutions improve water quality be reducing the amount of water runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground or to run through plant material that filters the water and removes pollutants. They also enhance neighborhoods. 

FUNDING QUESTIONS 
25. What is the program going to cost? 
The costs are expected to be substantial…in the billions of dollars. We currently estimate that Kansas City's expenditures for fixing the sewer system will be $2.0 to $2.6 billion. The 35 watershed master plans identified will cost approximately $1.5 - $2 billion in stormwater improvement projects and includes dollars to complete the City's waterways projects with the US Army Corps of Engineers over the next 25 years. 

We are working on a plan that is protective of public health and the environment, meets regulations with cost-effective technologies. We are incorporating technologies in our plan that can solve multiple problems and provide a wider benefit to the community for the investment. 

26. How are we going to pay for the Wet Weather Solutions Program? 
In January 2008, the Water Services Department developed a mayoral appointed Task Force. Task Force members were charged with helping to integrate community values into forming a funding strategy for all three of Water Services utilities (water, sewer, and stormwater). The Task Force completed their meetings in October 2008.

Some potential funding sources that the Task Force is considering include: utility fees, property taxes, sales taxes, state and federal grants/loan programs. Sewer rates go up every year. 

27. Why haven't these problems been addressed with existing rates? 
Most communities struggle to keep rates affordable and raise enough money for the system. As has been the case across the country, Kansas City over the years has opted to keep rates relatively low with minimal annual increases not adequate to cover the costs of reinvestment in the system let alone the cost to make these major improvements to the systems.

Like a roof that has been patched in various places but not replaced for over 100 years, our sewer and stormwater systems have sprung more leaks than we can patch a little bit at a time. In order to stay on top of required repairs, money must be allotted every year to improve and maintain the aging system and to prevent future problems. 

28. Voters passed a $500 million bond issue in 2005 for water and sewers; will more funds be needed? 
More funds will be needed. The bond issue passed shows citizen support for a greater investment in our sewer and water systems. The bonds included $250 million in water projects and $250 million in wastewater projects. They did not include stormwater projects. The bonds will be used to develop the Wet Weather Solutions Plan and to implement several much needed interim wastewater projects. 

29. Why aren't you getting money from other sources like the federal government, state government, and getting developers to pay for their own improvements, etc.? 
Developers do build and pay for a portion of the sanitary sewer and stormwater collection systems. Fees charged will be reviewed as part of the funding plan. The City is working with federal and state agencies to leverage the dollars invested by citizens. Our Waterways program, responsible for improvement projects in Brush Creek and Blue River, has received roughly $ 7 to every $3 in local dollars invested. That work has spurred investment by private interests in Brush Creek of over $1 billion. However, federal and state dollars are very limited and we are expecting the majority of the costs to be funded by local dollars. 

30. Why do I pay such a high stormwater fee and why isn't that money being used to fix the problem? 
The stormwater utility fee was authorized by voters in 1998 and funds operation and maintenance of the existing system. The current stormwater fee is $0.50 per runoff unit. It is not a tax but is based upon the amount of stormwater runoff generated or, in other words, the amount of contribution to the problem. The current funding levels are not adequate to make the necessary improvements to the system but rather are dedicated to operating and maintaining the existing system. 

31. If the sewers are such a big problem, why is the City spending so much money on stadiums, arenas and other things that are not nearly as important this issue? 
As a point of clarification, the City does not own or operate the stadiums. Jackson County does. There are many demands on taxpayers and different priorities within our community. Decisions regarding funding are made by the City Council and oftentimes the voters. As in many communities across the country, sewers are often out of sight and out of mind. 

32. Why is all this money being spent on studies? You know what the problem is: the sewers are not big enough, so why don't you just make them bigger and start now, not years from now? 
We are investing funds to study the problem and develop alternatives so that the best solution is developed. We don't want to just go out and build bigger sewers. For one thing, this would be extremely costly (billions of dollars) and disruptive to our neighborhoods.

Secondly, we are not certain that larger sewers are the answer. Reducing the amount of water getting into the system may be a more effective and a less costly solution. The City is conducting several pilot projects to determine the effectiveness of this solution. Also, the City is moving toward managing stormwater where it falls rather than trying to manage it through a complex system of pipes. This is more a proactive approach to stormwater management.

Thirdly, the City has determined through extensive water quality studies, the magnitude of the combined sewer overflows on water quality and found that a larger portion of the pollution is, in fact, from stormwater runoff. This drives a very different solution than just building bigger pipes. 

FAIRNESS & EQUITY ISSUES
33. I live north of the Missouri River, why should I pay to fix the Combined Sewer Overflow issue when I don't live in a Combined Sewer area?
Sewer overflows, flooding and water quality are critical issues that need to be addressed whether you live north or south of the river. Although the funding plan has not yet been developed, it is important to understand how the sanitary sewer system is connected north and south of the river.

Wastewater from north of the river is pumped under the Missouri River in some areas to be treated by the wastewater treatment plants that serve the combined sewer system south of the river. The problems are not just in the combined sewer system, but also in the separated system. While the combined sewer system was designed to overflow and the City currently has a permit to discharge combined sewage, separated sanitary sewer overflows in the rest of the City are not permitted.

The problems in the separate sanitary sewer area are extensive and are expected to cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars as well. Solutions are needed to reduce the amount of untreated sewage polluting streams and to accommodate future growth. 

34. Why should I pay for improvements to the sanitary sewers? We still have a septic tank, and don't use the sanitary sewer system.
Operations, maintenance and improvements to the sanitary sewer system are funded through a wastewater utility fee. Utility fees are based upon usage and contribution to the system. Citizens with septic tanks do not pay wastewater user fees. 

35. Why wasn't the sanitary sewer problem fixed in 1994, when the US Environmental Protection Agency contacted the City about this problem?
Formulating sustainable strategies to protect water quality in a large urban area while also meeting other key community goals are impressive challenges. It's hard for lots reasons … tight budgets, stringent federal regulations, a raft of competing local demands, complex science, and a large (not to mention very old!) labyrinth of pipes. 

Because of the complex nature of our infrastructure, combined with regulatory uncertainty, the city has proceeded cautiously in developing its plan to alleviate wet weather problems. The City has aimed to make prudent investment recommendations to avoid problems encountered by some other major cities. Progress has been steady, significant and measurable. 

The City has implemented changes to their operations and maintenance program designed to improve system reliability and water quality. The City has an aggressive but thoughtful approach to developing our Wet Weather Solutions Program. It gives us the best opportunity to develop the right plan for the residents and ratepayers of Kansas City. The City submitted work plans for addressing overflows to the regulatory agencies in 2004 and have received approval. Capital improvement projects, rehabilitations and repairs that are a high priority have been implemented prior to completion of the plan. For example, the City has invested more than $96 million in projects since 1996 to improve the combined and separate sanitary sewer systems and pump stations. 

36. Our problems are due to poor development standards and the City is not doing it right the first time. Why should I think the City will do it right this time? 
When we knew better, we did better. When much of the systems were designed, we were using the current technology and practices. Until the 1940s, combined sewers were the technology of the day. Practices and technology are evolving in this region and across the Country. That has lead to better planning, design, pipe materials and ultimately better results. 

The City recently adopted development standards to better handle stormwater on-site and not push the problem off on neighbors downstream. Thirty-five watershed studies were prepared accounting for future development and using improved tools and assumptions to ultimately design better systems. The City no longer allows plumbers to tie the stormwater system to the sanitary system. 

37. Why have millions of dollars been spent on Brush Creek to turn it into a park without fixing this problem at the same time, when it would have been much cheaper? 
Several people have lost their lives in the Brush Creek watershed due to flooding. Understandably, flooding was the focus of the solutions at the time the project was constructed. 

38. Do you think that installing rain gardens will solve this problem? 
The 10,000 Rain Gardens Initiative is a good start in the right direction which is to manage stormwater where it falls. In terms of whether the rain garden program will solve wet weather problems, ever drop counts when trying to reduce the amount of stormwater carrying pollutants to our streams, lakes and rivers. We also know through the public opinion survey conducted by the City, the rain garden advertising campaign has successfully educated the public regarding the stormwater runoff pollution and its contribution to the degradation of our waterways. It is important tool that empowers people to contribute to a solution while beautifying our community. 

39. Is Kansas City trying to find other ways to lower the cost of the project? 
Kansas City will look for ways to maximize economic, social, and environmental benefits. The City will invest in infrastructure improvements that produce the highest benefit in terms of water quality for dollars spent. New developments, redevelopments, government agencies, businesses and individual residents will need to think about how to maximize the benefits of every dollar invested in infrastructure. 

40. How can the public find out more about this issue and the progress that is being made? 
Visit: Wet Weather Solutions program,
email KC-OCPInfo@kcmo.org,
call (816) 513-0124, or
Visit 10,000 Rain Gardens program.