Kansas Issues Boil Water Notice for Three Counties—Here’s What You Need to Do

Residents in three Kansas counties—Shawnee, Jefferson, and Douglas—are being urged to take immediate precautions due to a boil water notice issued by local authorities.

The advisory, which affects both homes and businesses, is a response to concerns over the safety of the water supply. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and protect your health.

What Caused the Boil Water Notice?

The boil water notice was issued following concerns that the water supply in these areas may be contaminated. This can happen when there is a disruption to the water system, such as a water main break or loss of pressure, which can potentially allow harmful bacteria to enter the water supply.

Local authorities are working to identify the exact cause, but in the meantime, they’ve recommended the boil advisory to safeguard public health.

What Does a Boil Water Advisory Mean?

A boil water advisory means that drinking water could be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that can cause illness. As a precaution, residents are advised to boil all water before consuming it, which includes:

• Drinking water
• Cooking water
• Water used for brushing teeth
• Water used for washing food, such as fruits and vegetables

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute to ensure it is safe to consume.

How to Safely Use Water During a Boil Notice

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While the boil water notice is in effect, follow these steps to keep your family safe:

1. Boil water for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth.
2. Use bottled water for drinking and cooking, if possible.
3. If you need to wash dishes, use boiled or bottled water, or disinfect with a special solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.
4. Avoid using tap water for ice making until the advisory has been lifted. Consider using bottled or boiled water instead.
5. If you wash your hands or take a shower, make sure to avoid ingesting any water that could potentially be contaminated.

How Long Will the Boil Water Notice Last?

The duration of the boil water notice depends on how long it takes to identify and resolve the issue. Local health departments and utility providers will test the water and ensure it is free of contaminants before lifting the advisory. Residents will be notified once the water is safe to consume again.

Additional Tips for Residents

• Stay informed: Keep an eye on local news and updates from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for official updates on the status of the boil water advisory.
• Contact local authorities: If you are uncertain about whether you need to boil your water, reach out to your local water provider or health department for clarification.

Conclusion

A boil water advisory can be alarming, but by following the guidelines provided, you can ensure that your family remains safe. The authorities are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, and updates will be issued as soon as the water quality is confirmed to be safe again.

Until then, take the necessary precautions to protect your health and minimize any risks associated with contaminated water.