Clean drinking water is the universal product of all communities. Everyone uses this product every day. You cannot have a healthy, vibrant community without it.

Linn Valley, Kansas, had a problem. Their rural community was growing and their patchwork efforts to supply drinking water was beginning to fail. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development was able to assist the town leaders in implementing a plan to standardize and centralize the community’s water supply. Loans and grants totaling $17.5 million dollars were put into action to build a water tower, connect the town’s supply lines and install new meters for its 636 customers.

“Previously, we had three different sources of water for different parts of the town, said Lewis Donelson, Linn Valley Mayor. “The new system gives us a standard of quality for everyone in town and reduces the fees we pay to outside suppliers.”

This small community is centered around a recreational lake and golf course. Its scenic beauty and nice facilities are attracting more residents. The town is experiencing nearly five percent growth per year and the improved water system has become an urgent priority. All the new parts and improvements are expected to be completed by late ’26, or early ’27 and are estimated to serve the community for at least 40 years.