KDHE Issues Boil Water Order for City of Hartford in Lyon County

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE has issued a boil water order for the City of Hartford Public Water Supply (PWS). The order is being issued because routine samples and follow up samples of the water supply are positive for coliform bacteria . Chlorine levels in the system are currently insufficient to kill the bacteria. The order will remain in effect until testing of water samples indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions which place the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be adequately resolved.

Anyone served by the affected public water systems should observe the following precautions:

• 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The system and/or KDHE will notify area media when the boil water order has been rescinded. For more information, call Sharon Watson, KDHE, Topeka at (785) 296-5795.

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