Tomorrow is World Water Day! What a great opportunity to share about our water supply and where it comes from!

When you open a spigot to draw a glass of water, did you ever stop to think about where this vital resource is coming from?  Many customers may not know the answer.

The water that McPherson BPU provides its customers comes from groundwater pumped from the Equus underground aquifer.   McPherson BPU has 15 wells pump water to the surface. 12 wells are located near or inside McPherson, while three other wells located at the South Wellfield (SWF, 18 miles south of McPherson). All water pumped by BPU undergoes some type of treatment prior to pumping it into the distribution system.

McPherson BPU water operators are continually performing tests on the supply to ensure it stays clean and safe. The McPherson BPU is required to publish the results of these tests annually. This water quality report can be found Here. McPherson BPU’s water system includes a water treatment facility,150 miles of water pipes, and 15 collector wells to gather water from the Equus Beds underground aquifer.

More interesting facts about the McPherson BPU water department:

  • The BPU pumps water about 95ft underground from Equus beds
  • It serves nearly 6,000 residential and commercial water customers in an area of approximately 225 square miles
  • It has the capacity to pump more than 12.6 million gallons of water a day to its customers.
  • It stores 4.5 million gallons of water in their three water towers and clear well.
  • It supports 565 fire hydrants throughout the city of McPherson
  • Four of BPU’s six water department employees have achieved their “class 4” certification, the highest certification a water operator can receive.  These certifications are valid for two years.  After that period operators must re-certify by proving they have attended 10 hours of pre-approved continuing education during the two-year term of the certificate. The other two operators are working to further their license level.

The McPherson Board of Public Utilities understands the importance of conserving and protecting our natural resources. Every year in October, the McPherson BPU puts on the Children’s Water Festival to educate area 4th graders on where their water comes from and how to protect it.  Happy World Water Day!