photo by: City of Lawrence

Under normal conditions, all treated wastewater exists the Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant through the outfall structure, cascading down a rock lined bank.

City contractors working on Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements will temporarily reroute the plant’s daily flow of treated wastewater next week.

Starting on Monday, approximately 8 million gallons per day will be diverted into a smaller, 18-inch outlet pipe that discharges into the Kansas River. Because this pipe is smaller than the existing structure, the treated water may flow with increased force, potentially extending 10 to 25 feet beyond the pipe’s end before reaching the river, according to a news release from the City of Lawrence.

This temporary diversion is part of the larger $74 million improvements project at the plant, scheduled for completion in March 2026. The improvements are intended to improve sustainability, meet stricter nutrient removal regulations and replace aging infrastructure.

The release said that the diversion line would be monitored around the clock by the city contractor to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

The city anticipates this work to last seven days and to end by Oct. 20, pending weather or other delays.

The city is encouraging anyone boating or kayaking on the Kansas River to use extra caution near the wastewater treatment plant outlet as the treated water will exit the pipe at higher pressure than usual. For safety precautions, avoid the immediate area around the outlet structure and visible discharge zones.

To view the city’s current construction projects and an interactive map of where the projects are located, visit lawrenceks.gov/construction.