A boil water advisory continues for most Chase County residents after a water main break Wednesday night, but residents of Strong City and Cottonwood Falls had some good news as Thursday progressed.
Water pressure improved and eventually got to full power before the end of the work day.
Water went almost completely offline to both communities and to Rural Water District No. after a 6-inch line failed alongside Kansas Highway 177. Chase County told residents to boil their water shortly after being made aware of the situation and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced an official boil water advisory Thursday morning. Officials say the advisory may remain active until at least Monday.
10:40 am Thursday: Boil water advisory affecting Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, Chase County RWD 1 may last until Monday
After Chase County officials declared a boil water advisory for Cottonwood Falls, Strong City and Chase County Rural Water District No. 1 on Wednesday night, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has followed suit.
KDHE made the official announcement Thursday morning after a 16-inch water main broke Wednesday night alongside Kansas Highway 177 between Cottonwood Falls and Strong City. Water pressure is returning to normal in both towns.
The advisory could last until at least Monday. Residents are told to boil water for one minute prior to drinking or preparing food. Additionally residents should flush their lines if their tap water appears dirty by letting the water run until it clears.
Residents should also dispose of ice cubes and not use ice from a household ice maker, disinfect dishes using a combination of clear tapwater and one teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water. Water does not need to be boiled prior to bathing, but it should not be ingested.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more updates as the situation develops.
7:15 am Thursday: Water main repaired, but boil water advisories still up for Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, Chase County RWD 1
A large water main break in Chase County has been fixed, but water flow issues remain.
A 16-inch water main broke Wednesday night alongside Kansas Highway 177 between Cottonwood Falls and Strong City, eliminating water pressure to all of Cottonwood Falls and sharply reducing pressure in Strong City. Even though the line has been repaired, Cottonwood Falls is still mostly without water pressure, and that may not be fully restored until late in the day. Pressure was also low in Strong City at last word.
Cottonwood Falls, Strong City and Chase County Rural Water District No. 1 are in a boil water advisory until further notice.
4 am Thursday: Boil water advisory continues for Cottonwood Falls, Strong City and Rural Water District 1; no school Thursday for USD 284 Chase County
Early processes are underway in Chase County after a significant water main break between the county’s two biggest communities.
The break was reported shortly before 10 pm between Cottonwood Falls and Strong City. A 16-inch line broke parallel to Kansas Highway 177 between the towns, eliminating water pressure to all of Cottonwood Falls and sharply reducing pressure in Strong City. The affected pipe was laid fairly deep, according to the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, so it has taken a lot of time to clear the area and start the repair process. The Sheriff’s Office says over 50 feet of pipe has been ordered for the repair, although it’s currently unclear if all that pipe will be needed.
We’ll have updates on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
10:15 pm Wednesday
Chase County officials are determining the scope of a reported water main break between the county’s two biggest communities.
The break was reported shortly before 10 pm between Cottonwood Falls and Strong City. The Cottonwood Falls Facebook page says a 16-inch line broke between the towns, eliminating water pressure to all of Cottonwood Falls. The water pressure situation in Strong City has not been confirmed.
Cottonwood Falls, Strong City and Chase County Rural Water District No. 1 are in a boil water advisory until further notice.
USD 284 Chase County will not have school at any of its buildings Thursday. The junior high volleyball team and cross country teams will travel to their meets as scheduled, but the high school volleyball’s C squad game is canceled.
