BOIL WATER ADVISORY ISSUED FOR WILSON COUNTY RWD #11

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for portions of Wilson County Rural Water District #11. The district serves 833 people living in Fall River in Greenwood County, in Lakeland Estates in Wilson County, and in certain rural areas of northwestern Wilson County, the southeast corner of Greenwood County, and in two sections on the southern edge of western Woodson County. Officials wish to emphasize that Wilson County Rural Water Districts #9 and #11A are not affected by this advisory.

KDHE officials issued the advisory as a precaution because a line break caused an interruption in water service resulting in little or no water pressure, which may have allowed contamination of the distribution system. The water line break occurred on Thursday, August 25, 2005 and was reported to the KDHE. The advisory was effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

RWD #11 is increasing chlorination within its system as a precaution. Officials are also searching for the line break so that it may be repaired.

Sampling will be needed prior to lifting the boil water advisory to ensure no evidence of contamination and that all other conditions which place the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be adequately resolved.

If you live in the above-listed areas served by Wilson County Rural Water District #11, or you are experiencing low water pressure, KDHE advises that you:

• Boil water vigorously for one minute prior to use. Boiling longer than three minutes may adversely affect the quality and taste of the water.
• 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 automatic icemaker. 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.

The public water system and/or KDHE will notify area media when the boil water advisory has been rescinded. For more information, please call the KDHE Southeast District Office at (620) 431-2390, or Sharon Watson, KDHE, Topeka at (785) 296-5795.

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