Some Coffey and Lyon county residents are told they have to conserve water until further notice.
Burlington put out an urgent social media message just before 9 am Thursday, followed soon after by New Strawn. Burlington City Clerk Anne Brown says water demand has been double the normal flow at around 800,000 gallons daily all week. The number of water leaks have been increasing, although it has been tough to locate all of them as the impact of brutal cold early in the week — followed by a short period of temperatures near or above freezing — has impacted the water supply system.
Brown stresses the water is safe to drink.
Other cities and rural water districts in Coffey County have been advised of Burlington’s situation. Coffey County Rural Water District 2, which covers areas just south of Emporia, Hartford and Burlington and just east of Olpe, is now in an emergency water conservation order.
Burlington residents who have a confirmed or suspected water leak are told to call City Hall at 620-364-5334. Staff will shut off meters until leaks have been fixed.
In New Strawn, residents can call 620-364-8283 with confirmed or suspected leaks. For Coffey County RWD 2, the number is 620-437-6523.
Residents can also call the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office at 620-364-2123.
