Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is cautioning residents to stay
out of Kansas waterways because of the recent flooding and associated unsafe water quality conditions.

In addition to the physical dangers associated with entering swift moving flood waters, the potential for high levels of pathogens in those waters exist. KDHE anticipates elevated levels of pathogens in rivers and streams across the state because of runoff. Additionally, over the past several days, numerous wastewater systems have experienced bypasses of sewage that enter local streams.

Individuals are advised to avoid contact with waterways and to restrict pets and livestock from entering
streams and allow flood waters time to recede.

KDHE personnel are in contact with wastewater utilities in Kansas and are evaluating the extent of any
bypassing.

Individuals should contact their local public works departments for questions related to their immediate
area.