Independence issues boil water advisory. School canceled after low pressure
A problem with low water pressure has prompted Independence to issue a boil water advisory Monday for water service customers, the city announced on its website.
Until further notice, the city advises customers of its water service to bring water to a rolling boil for three to five minutes, then cool, prior to consuming.
“Our crews are working hard to restore adequate water pressure throughout the system,” the city said on its Facebook page and website.
There was a power outage at the city’s Courtney Bend Water Plant, said Rebecca Gannon, a spokesperson for Independence. The city has four connections with Kansas City Water, and was working to get them open and water flowing, which should help the situation.
Earlier Monday, the Independence School District canceled classes at all of its buildings.
“At this time, our buildings do not have access to running water needed for restroom and essential operations,” the school district said in a post on Facebook. “There is no school, no Early Education, and no Kids’ Safari.”
The district said it was waiting for the city to assess the situation and determine when water service could be fully restored. There was no estimated time when water might be restored.
“If your student has already been dropped off at school, please stand by,” the school district said. “We are going to run our bus routes BACK HOME.”
The district asked for parents’ patience as it worked through the process of returning students home, saying it didn’t have the ability to predict exact times for the return routes.
The Eastern Jackson County Courthouse at 308 W. Kansas Ave. and the Truman Courthouse at 112 W. Lexington Avenue, also will remain closed Monday, officials said.
Officials had hoped to open both locations noon, but because of the ongoing power outage, water service to the buildings is unavailable.
Taxpayers can still do business with the county at the Downtown Courthouse. Many services are also available online at jacksongov.org.
People were urged to monitor the Public and Legal Notices area on the court’s website at www.16thcircuit.org or the court’s Facebook page, as well as the county’s website and social media accounts for updates.
This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 10:35 AM.
