Originally posted on November 5, 2016

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the Rush County RWD No. 1 public water supply. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure can result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The advisory took effect Saturday and will remain in effect until conditions that place the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be adequately resolved.

Customers should observe these 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 an 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.

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