The City remains under a boil advisory. Public Works and Utilities crews worked throughout the night to isolate repairs and gather water testing samples. Crews will be on 24 hour shifts until further notice.
The City of Wichita Water Treatment Lab has gathered samples and initial indicators are encouraging based on chlorine residuals found in the water. Samples require a 24 hour incubation period to be conclusive, and Wichita will remain under a boil advisory until all tests are clear of any presence of bacteria.
Staff is investigating what caused the line to break. The adjacent I-135 road appears to be stable and at no risk to drivers.
Residents of surrounding cities should check with their municipal governments to check if their city falls under a water boil advisory.
Customers should observe the following precautions during the boil advisory:
- 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.
For consumer questions, City of Wichita at 316-265-1300, or KDHE at (785) 296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE's PWS Consumer Information webpage:
http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture's food safety & lodging program at
kda.fsl@ks.gov or call (785) 564-6767.
