Boil Water Advisory Issued for Conway Springs and Viola

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the cities of Conway Springs and Viola. Sumner County RWD #5, which purchases from Viola, is not affected at this time. However, if customers of Sumner County RWD #5 observe a loss of pressure, they should follow the precautions below.

A water main has ruptured, leading to a loss of pressure in the distribution system. When such a loss of pressure occurs, it is possible for contaminants to enter the distribution system. Also chlorine residuals in the system may drop to levels that are inadequate to protect against bacterial contamination.

When such a loss of pressure occurs water within the distribution system may become contaminated.

Repairs to the water main are ongoing. Customers of the affected water systems should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• 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 icemaker.
• 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.
• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

The order will remain in effect until testing of water samples indicates no evidence of contamination and all other conditions which place the systems at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. The affected systems and/or KDHE will notify area media when the boil water advisory has been rescinded. For more information, call Mike Heideman, KDHE, Topeka at (785) 296-4363.

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