KDHE
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded the Do Not Drink Order for the Lane Co. Rural Water District 1 located in Lane County.
The Order took effect on February 18, 2019 due to a line break which placed the system at risk for bacteriological contamination. Laboratory testing samples collected from Lane Co. Rural Water District 1 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacteriological contamination are deemed by KDHE to be resolved.
A Nitrate Advisory took effect on February 18, 2019 and will remain in effect until the secondary water source that is high in nitrate is no longer in use.
Until the Nitrate Advisory is rescinded the following steps should be observed:
- DO NOT GIVE TAP WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.
- Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
- DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
- ADULTS AND CHILDREN older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
Only KDHE can rescind the Nitrate Advisory following testing at a certified laboratory.
If you have questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-1317. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the Nitrate Advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
For updates online, go to:
- the KDHE news website at https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/nr_index.aspx,
- the KDHE Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/KDHEnews or
- the KDHE Twitter page at http://Twitter.com/KDHE.