What is Water for Growth?
Water for Growth is what we are calling Topeka Water's multi-year Water Distribution Improvement Plan. Water for Growth provides for the upgrading and expansion of the City's water distribution system to better serve both existing water customers and to meet the expanding needs of both new residential and commercial water users.

What is the Water Distribution System Improvement Plan?
The Water Distribution System Improvement Plan is the result of a study commissioned by Topeka Water and performed by Bartlett & West Engineers. That study created a master plan to address the growing needs for Topeka Water for the next 30 years.

What were the findings of the study?
The study took into account every facet of Topeka's water distribution system, but special attention was paid to projecting demands on the City's water supply for the next three decades. In looking at all kinds of demand - residential, commercial and industrial development - the study determined that most new water growth would likely occur on the edges of the city currently underserved by Topeka Water. Computer modeling was used to project the demands that growth in these areas would make on Topeka Water.

Why does Topeka Water need to serve these areas?
The City of Topeka is poised for growth. Aggressive economic development effort, like that which brought the monumental new Target distribution center to our city with its 650 new jobs depends on the availability of reliable water supplies for commercial processes and fire protection. Water is the cornerstone on which decades of economic security for residents of Topeka and Shawnee County can be built. That's what we mean by Water for Growth.

Click to view Water For Growth Map

What do these improvement projects entail?
Some Water for Growth projects will replace existing, outdated infrastructure; however, most will be system enhancements. Water for Growth will upgrade a number of water mains to increase their capacity to accommodate current and future demands. These mains will be large, up to 48 inches in diameter, some of which run along busy streets. The improvements are necessary to ensure the economic opportunities of the future and ensure existing demands are met. To complete these projects, multiple engineering firms will be needed. Services will be provided by Bartlett & West Engineers, Professional Engineering Consultants, Kramer Engineering, Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers and Poe-VanDoren.

How much will these projects disrupt traffic and business?
Every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to residents, businesses and the motoring public. As part of that process, engineers met with key stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination of construction issues with other utilities like electric, gas, cable and phone service. Further meetings will be held with businesses potentially affected by construction, and residents will be informed of construction activities in their neighborhoods.

Who is paying for the current improvements?
Water users are paying for current improvements as part of the existing rate structure.