Updated 4-28:
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the University Park water district located in Riley County. The advisory was issued because the system was replacing valves, which may have caused a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it is the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
Laboratory testing samples collected from the University Park water district indicate no evidence of contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.
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(earlier report)
Repairs to the water system at University Park in northern Riley County will disrupt services Tuesday.
Gary Rosewicz, the assistant director of public works for Riley County, told county commissioners Monday morning the system would be shut off at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
“We have six inoperative water valves up there that we’re going to be replacing,” Rosewicz told the board. “Starting today, the contractor will be digging them out to expose them, and with the valves being located throughout the (water) district, it’s going to require that we shut down the entire system.
“The water will be off for the majority of the day.”
As Rosewicz told the commission to expect, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the University Park water supply Monday afternoon. KDHE officials issued the advisory because the system will be replacing valves that may cause a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
The advisory will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and stay in effect until KDHE reviews the system after repairs are complete.
KDHE says the following precautions should be taken for University Park residents Tuesday and into Wednesday:
– 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
– Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Rosewicz told commissioners water is expected to be turned back on Tuesday evening and a 24-hour review and testing period by KDHE will take place before it rescinds its boil advisory.
