Infrastructure
We all know that water runs downhill and oftentimes, the path it takes to get there doesn’t start with a stream. More often, it is a pipe, ditch, pond or some other piece of infrastructure that has to be maintained. Together, these tools are known as a storm sewer system.

Lenexa’s storm sewer includes more than 340 miles of pipe, more than 14,000 storm drains and nearly 29 miles of roadside ditches.

Rain to Recreation’s gray crew uses everything from shovels to excavators to keep the storm sewer system maintained and working properly.  Common work includes: • Cleaning pipes and drains with a large vacuum pump. • Removing sediment from ditches and ponds with backhoes and excavators. • Fixing drainage problems, from simply repairing storm drains to Capital Improvement Projects, such as regional detention basins. • Using a TV camera to inspect underground pipes and assess their condition.

Homeowners can also do their part to keep things flowing.  Did you know that most stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as neighborhood ponds, are privately-owned? It’s true – most neighborhood ponds are owned either by a homeowners association or in-common by all lot owners in the neighborhood.

City staff are available for technical assistance and to clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities.  For more information, contact Tom Jacobs, stormwater engineer.