Residents in Madison will have to boil their water until further notice.
A boil water advisory was issued for the community Thursday due to a water main break that resulted in a loss of pressure in the city’s water distribution system. A loss of pressure in the system can lead to reduced chlorine residuals and potential for bacterial contamination.
The boil advisory will remain in place until the Kansas Department of Health and Environment can conduct tests on water samples in a certified lab. Until that time, residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
• 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.
Affected residents with questions can contact the water system at 620-437-2556, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.
KVOE and KVOE.com will provide updates as they develop.
