originally posted on January 23, 2017

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for customers of Anderson County Rural Water District (RWD) #5, including the cities of Kincaid, Lone Elm and Bush City located in Anderson County, as well as the city of Mildred in northern Allen County.

This advisory also affects the rural area bordered by Mildred to the south, Lone Elm to the west, and Bush City to the north. Furthermore, the advisory includes all RWD #5 customers located to the east of this area.

A major line break has drained the tower and distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure and no water service in many areas. Whenever such a loss of pressure occurs, it is possible for contaminants to enter the system.

Also, chlorine residuals may drop to levels that are inadequate to protect against bacterial contamination.

Once water service is restored, customers 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 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 The city and/or KDHE will notify media when the boil water advisory has been rescinded.