Parts of northeast Greenwood County are under a boil water advisory as part of an alert also affecting portions of Wilson and Woodson counties.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has listed Virgil in the alert, as well as Wilson County Rural Water District 9, Woodson County Rural Water District 1 and the city of Yates Center. A waterline break in Yates Center is to blame, causing a loss of pressure that may lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and an increased risk of bacterial contamination.
KDHE says customers affected by boil water advisories need to take several steps to ensure water safety:
*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.
*If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
*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.
Virgil residents with questions can call the town’s water system number at 620-437-6936 or KDHE at 785-296-5514. Food-based businesses, including restaurants, can call 785-564-6767 or email kda.fsl@ks.gov.
