Kansas Municipal Utilities - KMU

Kansas Municipal Utilities - KMU Statewide association representing Kansas cities and other agencies involved in the ownership and operation of municipal utilities.

Kansas Municipal Utilities is the statewide association representing Kansas cities and other public or not-for-profit agencies involved in the ownership and operation of municipal utilities. Formed in 1928, KMU provides assistance and information to members with regard to legislative and regulatory issues, training and educational programs, and numerous other services towards the advancement of municipal utilities and to achieve maximum benefits for the customer-owners served by our utilities.

Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) is offering Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Training this July, a three-da...
06/03/2026

Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) is offering Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Training this July, a three-day course designed to give water system operators the technical skills needed to protect municipal drinking water from contamination. KMU will be hosting two trainings in July.

Dates and locations, include:
1. McPherson, KS: July 8-10, 2026 https://tr.ee/hLkspP
2. Garden City, KS: July 28-30, 2026 https://tr.ee/LAFVVG

Operators who attend all three days will receive 15 hours of water operator credit through KDHE.

The course is built around the principles of hydraulic safety and public health, with a focus on keeping water flowing in a single direction, from source to consumer. Topics covered include:
• Why cross connection control and backflow prevention matter
• Theory and concepts behind hydraulic safety
• Backflow preventer devices
• Selection and installation of devices
• Field testing procedures
• Degree of hazard and selection of the appropriate device
• Developing a cross connection control/backflow prevention program

Participants will gain a thorough understanding of how pressure differences can cause water to reverse direction and introduce contaminants such as chemicals, medical waste, or debris into the community’s water system. The course also covers how to identify and track hazardous cross connections, how to install and maintain valve assemblies, and how to interpret testing results.

To become certified, participants must pass both a written exam and a hands-on device testing component. Those who pass both exams will receive certification as a Backflow Prevention Tester with KMU.

In June, KMU will be hosting four water and wastewater workshops throughout Kansas. Each training is free to attend, inc...
06/01/2026

In June, KMU will be hosting four water and wastewater workshops throughout Kansas. Each training is free to attend, includes lunch, and offers valuable operator credits. These sessions are intended for operators, decision-makers, and utility staff. For detailed information on each workshop and registration, visit the KMU website at www.kmunet.org/events.

Upcoming June workshops include:

Water Distribution Fundamentals
Free of charge, with lunch provided
5 hours of water operator credit available
June 2, 2026 | 9 AM - 3:30 PM | Fredonia, KS

Surface & Groundwater Fundamentals
Free of charge, with lunch provided
5 hours of water operator credit available
June 4, 2026 | 9 AM - 3:30 PM | Clay Center, KS

How to Take a Sample: The Right Way!
Free of charge, with lunch provided
5 hours of water operator credit available
June 10, 2026 | 9 AM - 3:30 PM | Great Bend, KS

Cybersecurity
Free of charge
5 hours of water or wastewater operator credit available
June 17, 2026 | 9 AM - 3 PM | Virtual

As demand for electricity and water accelerates with the rise of data centers, advanced manufacturing, and other resourc...
05/27/2026

As demand for electricity and water accelerates with the rise of data centers, advanced manufacturing, and other resource-intensive industries, communities face high-stakes decisions about growth, infrastructure, and long-term resilience.

Kansas Municipal Utilities’ upcoming summit delivers the insight local leaders need to evaluate these opportunities, understand impacts on infrastructure, power supply, and water resources, and safeguard existing ratepayers.

Built for local officials, this summit helps decision-makers quickly assess large-load development, weigh risks and benefits, and determine whether it aligns with their community’s priorities—or not.

With expert speakers, real-world case studies, and practical tools—including model policies and rate design strategies—this summit equips attendees to make confident, informed decisions in a rapidly changing energy and water landscape.

📅 July 15-16, 2026
📍 Docking State Office Building, Topeka, KS

For the summit agenda and online registration, visit the KMU website at https://tr.ee/8fkeKL. For questions, contact the KMU office at [email protected] or call (620) 241-1423.

A huge thank you to the 2026 KMU Conference sponsors. Your support made three days of education, connection, and impact ...
05/06/2026

A huge thank you to the 2026 KMU Conference sponsors. Your support made three days of education, connection, and impact possible for Kansas municipal utility professionals across the state. We're grateful for your partnership.

KMU’s Electric Distribution Underground Workshop is a valuable opportunity for lineworkers and apprentices to receive tr...
05/05/2026

KMU’s Electric Distribution Underground Workshop is a valuable opportunity for lineworkers and apprentices to receive training on underground distribution system operations, maintenance, and construction. The Underground Workshop will be held at the KMU Training Facility in McPherson from May 18-20, 2026.

To ensure that everyone gets the most out of the workshop, participants will be grouped based on experience level, and work tasks will be adjusted accordingly. Regardless of experience, this workshop has something for every level. With various hands-on, classroom, and demonstration sessions, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to excel within their communities.

For more information, visit the KMU website at https://tr.ee/W4VKvU

KMU is excited to welcome KMU’s New Electric Programs Coordinator, Jeff Grabbe. With 36 years in the electrical industry...
05/05/2026

KMU is excited to welcome KMU’s New Electric Programs Coordinator, Jeff Grabbe. With 36 years in the electrical industry, Jeff has worked across municipalities, REAs, IOUs, and contracting outfits. That experience spans new construction, overhead and underground rebuilds, and storm restoration across every condition — ice, wind, tornado, hurricane, and fire.

He brings field-tested knowledge to every role, but his focus is on the next generation of lineworkers. He believes apprentices become the journeymen you build them to be, and he takes that responsibility seriously.

Training isn't a side interest — it's a priority. He's committed to passing on what he's learned while staying sharp by learning from the journeymen around him.

Congratulations to Blake Roberts, City Superintendent and Water Operator-in-Training for Harveyville, Kansas, on receivi...
04/30/2026

Congratulations to Blake Roberts, City Superintendent and Water Operator-in-Training for Harveyville, Kansas, on receiving the 2026 KMU Water Operator-in-Training Emerging Excellence Award.

Serving a community of 178 residents, Blake manages a wide range of responsibilities. He oversees the water distribution system, tower, and sewer lagoons, manages gas meters, streets, parks, and animal control, reads 138 meters each month, monitors chlorine residuals daily, and oversees a pump station eight miles away in Burlingame.

He's also already leading a $1.2 million water system upgrade featuring new mains, radio-read meters, and a tower mixing system.

All of this in just eight months on the job.

Blake calls Harveyville home and stepped up when his community needed someone. That kind of commitment to the place you live is exactly what this award recognizes.

KMU is proud to honor Blake Roberts and the future he represents for small system operations across Kansas.

Get Harveyville

Congratulations to Jarod Franks of the City of Gardner, Kansas, on receiving the 2026 KMU Power Plant Operator Award of ...
04/30/2026

Congratulations to Jarod Franks of the City of Gardner, Kansas, on receiving the 2026 KMU Power Plant Operator Award of Excellence.

This award goes to the power plant operator or maintenance technician who best exemplifies the core values of their community and their craft. The criteria include a commitment to improving lives, striving for technical excellence, and mentoring those around them.

Jarod delivers on all of it. He brings a hands-on approach to equipment reliability, troubleshooting, and outage work. He was instrumental in the installation of a new motor control center and played a key role in a major system upgrade. Beyond his technical contributions, he shares knowledge, assists peers, and leads by example.

KMU also recognizes the support and leadership Jarod brings to advisory committee meetings and workshops, and his commitment to helping those who are still learning the profession.

KMU is proud to honor Jarod Franks for his dedication to his community, his craft, and his colleagues.

City of Gardner, KS Government

Congratulations to Guillermo Corona, Water Supervisor and Class IV Certified Water Operator for the City of Liberal, Kan...
04/30/2026

Congratulations to Guillermo Corona, Water Supervisor and Class IV Certified Water Operator for the City of Liberal, Kansas, on receiving the 2026 KMU Water Operator Award of Excellence.

Guillermo has served the City of Liberal for over 28 years. In that time, he has become the backbone of the department, keeping reliable water operations running while making sure residents receive safe, efficient service.

His impact goes beyond daily operations. For the past 20 years, he has trained nearly every employee who has come through the department, making sure each one understands not just the technical side of the job, but also the importance of responsibility, safety, and quality service.

When residents need help, Guillermo shows up, responding to after-hours calls and taking the time to walk customers through issues. That kind of dedication, day in and day out for nearly three decades, is exactly what this award recognizes.

KMU is proud to honor Guillermo Corona for his outstanding contributions to the municipal utility industry and the City of Liberal.

Congratulations to Cole Stueve of the City of Wamego on receiving the 2026 KMU Lineworker Award of Excellence.This award...
04/30/2026

Congratulations to Cole Stueve of the City of Wamego on receiving the 2026 KMU Lineworker Award of Excellence.

This award goes to the Electric Lineworker who best exemplifies the core values of their community and their craft. The criteria include a commitment to improving lives, striving for technical excellence, and mentoring those around them.

Cole approaches every task with professionalism, urgency, and genuine care. He understands that reliable electric service is critical to public safety and economic vitality, and he takes personal responsibility for delivering it. When emergencies happen, his calm demeanor and steady leadership reassure both residents and his fellow crew members.

Great lineworkers are defined as much by their character as their technical skill. Cole Stueve is a prime example of both.

City of Wamego, Kansas Government

Address

2090 East Avenue A
McPherson, KS
67460

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(620) 241-1423

Website

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