The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for Columbus in Cherokee County on Monday.
A water main break resulted in the loss of pressure in the city’s distribution system, which can lead to contaminants entering the system. Chlorine residuals may also drop to levels that are inadequate to protect against bacterial contamination, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The status of the broken water main was unknown at press time, as Columbus city officials could not be reached for comment.
Once water pressure is restored, residents served by the affected public water system should observe the following precautions, according to KDHE:
• Boil water vigorously for one minute prior to use. Boiling longer than three minutes may adversely affect the quality and taste of the water.
• 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 advisory 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 The city and/or KDHE will notify media when the boil water advisory has been rescinded.
