Released on May 1, 2025
(Kansas City, KS) – The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) joined Unified Government of Wyandotte County (UG) Mayor Tyrone Garner this week to recognize the UG’s official proclamation of Drinking Water Week, observed May 4–10, 2025.
BPU is proud to join communities across North America in celebrating this annual observance, led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). It highlights the essential role of clean drinking water and honors the dedicated professionals who help deliver it daily.
“Drinking Water Week is a time to celebrate our water journey—from source to treatment to tap,” said BPU General Manager Jeremy Ash. “This year, we invite our community to explore the science behind the system and recognize the skilled people who ensure every drop meets the highest safety and quality standards.”
Throughout the week, BPU engages residents across Wyandotte County to help deepen public understanding of water’s vital role in our daily lives, public health, and environmental sustainability.
This year also marks a significant milestone for BPU — the 25th anniversary of the Nearman Water Treatment Plant, the backbone of BPU’s water operations. Since opening in 2000, this state-of-the-art facility has provided Wyandotte County with high-quality, safe drinking water. The plant’s dedicated team of water professionals is critical in operating and maintaining the complex systems that protect public health and support regional growth.
BPU and other utilities, advocacy groups, and government entities across North America host events such as facility tours, classroom visits, and interactive demonstrations to mark the occasion. These efforts aim to educate children and adults alike on how water is sourced, treated, and delivered to homes and businesses safely and reliably.
For media inquiries, please contact Amber Oetting, Director of Communications and Marketing, at aoetting@bpu.com or
(913) 573-9049.