In this issue:
- Water Wise
- New interactive mapping feature introduced
- Test Your T Knowledge
- Curbside Yard Trimmings Collection Begins in March
- Annual Spring Compost Sale set for March 17, 18 & 19
Water Wise
The most common city water questions (and answers)
The city receives calls on many issues related to water quality and service. One of the most common questions relates to taste and/or odor. Lawrence’s drinking water sources are the Kansas River and the Clinton Reservoir. Because of the different sources and the different ways in which water is treated, characteristics vary from place to place. Lawrence’s water system meets all EPA standards for water quality. Occasional changes to Lawrence’s source water may have an effect on the smell, taste or appearance of drinking water. These aesthetic changes do not affect the safety of the drinking water.
At times, the city flushes mains to maintain water quality in lines that do not receive large amounts of flow. This can dislodge rust, minerals, or sediment, and allow them to come out the tap. These minerals are harmless. However, running a faucet can get rid of the color or specks in the water.
For additional frequently asked questions regarding city water service, visit lawrenceks.org/mso/faq.
New interactive mapping feature introduced
The City of Lawrence recently began testing a new feature for the GIS mapping system. This new interactive mapping system 
allows users access to many layers of data and city maps. The new application allows users with various web browsers such as Firefox, Chrome and Safari to access the interactive mapping – previous versions were only compatible with Internet Explorer. GIS Coordinator Micah Seybold led the efforts to provide interactive mapping on the city’s website.
“The public will find this map useful for many reasons,” said Seybold. “You can find out how your house is zoned, the quality of your street and when it was rated, the locations of underground pipes and depth of manholes, if your house is in a flood zone, where the nearest bike route is and other property information.”
The interactive mapping, and all other GIS maps are available online at lawrenceks.org/maps.
Test Your T Knowledge
The T is celebrating 10 years of service in Lawrence. Take the quiz below to see how well you know the T.
- What day did T bus service begin? The first day of service was December 16, 2000.
- How many people have been riding the T? More than 4 million people have been on the bus in the last decade.
- Who is riding the bus? Everyone rides the bus. Of those 4 million passengers, the T served 250,000 elderly, 300,000 disabled people, and 900,000 students.
- Where do people ride the T? In the last ten years, the T has taken 1.5 million people to work, 600,000 people to school, and 350,000 people to medical appointments.
Curbside Yard Trimmings Collection Begins in March
Remember to use cans, city carts or compostable paper bags for set out
The City of Lawrence’s curbside yard trimmings collection program will begin on Monday, March 7 (weather permitting). This program is available for all residents who utilize the city’s trash service.
If you do not mulch mow or compost your yard trimmings at home, or simply have too much to manage, the City of Lawrence will pick them up on Monday mornings, March through mid-December (except on holidays). Materials should be set out by 6 a.m. in a can, city cart or compostable paper bag.
Small, woody debris may also be placed at the curb on Mondays in a can, city cart or compostable paper bag. Please make sure woody debris does not extend more than one-foot above the container opening and is not tied or bundled in any way.
Chapter 9 of the City Code prohibits the use of plastic bags to contain grass and leaves. Please note that grass and leaves are NOT collected with regular household trash when separate Monday collection is available.
Backyard composting bins are available for sale to Lawrence residents receiving residential trash service from the city. Bins are $40 each, limit one per household. Call (785) 832-3030 to reserve yours.
For more information regarding the city’s efforts to provide services for waste reduction and recycling, visit llawrenceks.org/wrr.
Annual Spring Compost Sale set for March 17, 18 & 19
The City of Lawrence will host the annual Spring Compost Sale for Lawrence residents on the following dates:
Thursday, March 17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, March 18, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, March 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The compost sale may close early if supply is depleted. The compost sale will take place at the City’s Wood Recovery and Composting Facility, located at 1420 E. 11th Street, east of 11th and Haskell, over the railroad tracks.
Citizens may either load their own material or have it loaded by tractor into pick-ups and small trailers. The city cannot load trucks with ladder racks. The cost of the compost will be $10.00 per truckload (more for larger trucks or trailers) and free for all self-loaders. Cash only, please. If you intend to self-load material, please bring your own shovel and containers. This compost is not intended for commercial applications, but rather for the citizens of Lawrence. Dump truck quantities are not allowed.
For more information on the compost sale, call the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at (785) 832-3030.