Update, Oct. 22, 2020: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Carbondale, Osage County, Kan. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Carbondale indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

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TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Carbondale, located in Osage County, Kan. This advisory is not related to COVID-19. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Water users on the Carbondale water system should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• If tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing to ensure water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The boil water advisory took effect on Oct. 20, 2020, and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE will issue a rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For more information, contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514, or see KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information page: http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm

For information about the impact of the boil water advisory on food establishments, contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.

Information thanks to KDHE.