KDHE Home - News 2002 - News Release

Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary

For Immediate Release

October 17, 2002

Contact: Sharon Watson, 785-296-5795

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Elgin

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Elgin. A loss of chlorine residual due to failure of chlorination equipment used to disinfect the city's drinking water supply, created the potential for water contamination.

The equipment failure occurred sometime prior to Monday, October 14, 2002 and the equipment was repaired by Thursday morning, October 17, 2002. KDHE was not notified of the incident and did not become aware of the chlorination problem until Wednesday evening, October 16, 2002. Chlorine residual tests and water samples are being taken today, October 17, 2002 for bacteriological testing. The advisory will remain in effect until tests indicate no evidence of contamination and conditions that place the system at risk of contamination are resolved.

Persons in the affected area should observe the following precautions:

• Boil water vigorously for one minute prior to use. Use only boiled water for drinking, diluting fruit juices, and all other food preparation.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household ice maker. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled.
• 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 or using backyard pools so water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
• Residents and area media will be notified when the boil water advisory has been rescinded.

Back to KDHE News Release Index