By Robert A. Cronkleton, originally posted on November 17, 2016

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil advisory Thursday for southwest Wyandotte County after a water main break caused inadequate pressure.

The areas under the advisory are Edwardsville, southwest Kansas City, Kan., and eastern Bonner Springs, including the Lake of the Forest community. About 2,700 Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities customers are impacted by the advisory.

A water main broke near 86th Street and Interstate 70 in Kansas City, Kan., creating a loss of water pressure, which might result in a loss of chlorine and allow bacterial contamination.

The area under the advisory is generally bounded by I-70 to the north, 72nd Street to the east, 118th Street to the west and the Kansas River to the south. A small area bounded by Tauromee Avenue to the north, 72nd Street to the east, 78th Street to the west and the Kansas River to the south is also under the advisory.

The advisory will remain in effect until health officials determine that the water supply is not at a risk of contamination.

The BPU issued these precautions:

▪ 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 automatic ice makers.

▪ Disinfect dishes and other food surfaces by immersing them for at least one minute in clean tap water that has one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

▪ Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled, but children should be watched to make sure they do not drink the water.

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