A Wabaunsee County town is dealing with a boil water advisory this Christmas.
McFarland, population around 250, was placed in an advisory late Christmas Eve by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Details behind the advisory have not been released, although KDHE says there was a loss of pressure in the town’s water system. This can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and an increased risk of bacterial contamination.
McFarland residents and businesses should take the following precautions while the advisory continues:
*Boil water for 60 seconds before drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
*Dispose of ice cubes. Do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
*Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersing for at least 60 seconds in clean tap water containing one teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water.
*Flush lines if tap water appears dirty by letting the water run until it clears.
*Children need to be supervised while bathing so they do not swallow water, although bathing water does not need to be boiled.
Updates will be on KVOE and KVOE.com.
