By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
After many years of neglect for the supply of quality drinking water for the residents of Sundowner West Mobile Home Park, there is still hope.
Last year, Sundowner got major publicity after recurring issues such as undrinkable water, inconsistent billing and lack of communication from Sundowner's water easement rights owner, Scott Kolling.
Nonprofits such as the Salvation Army of Salina, stepped in to alleviate the situation by providing water bottles and food for the residents.
Resident and spokesperson for the 'frustrated' residents of Sundowner, Misty Livingston-Holmes still has hope and states that she will not 'give up.'
Livingston-Holmes describes that as of 2025, there have still been 'ongoing issues' with how the water is functioning at the trailer park.
"It's okay, then it's not," said Livingston-Holmes. "Sometimes I will turn on my faucet and I will get a whole bunch of black stuff coming out."
Livingston-Holmes stated the water is not as bad as last year's fiasco, yet herself and the residents have still been facing the same recurring issues for the past several years.
Learn the full story: Years of neglect causes water crisis at Sundowner Mobile Home and Trailer Park
As Kolling is known to be the "one to blame" for the ongoing water crisis at the trailer park, there seems to be no course of action taking place from himself according to many State officials, county officials, residents of Sundowner and water well service companies.
Kolling took over as the overseer of the water pumps/utility infrastructure a few years back and Livingston-Holmes has stated that ever since Kolling took over the job, 'a lot of the problems began.'
Recurring issues
Livingston-Holmes stated that her and the residents have still been facing the ongoing issues of 'inconsistent billing.'
She commented that Kolling has been 'double-billing' and that whenever a bill is received, confusion arises with the differences of the current and previous balances.
Once the current balance is paid for, Livingston-Holmes states that she does not understand why she has a previous balance that is higher than the current. She commented that she does not pay for it, because she said that 'Kolling does not describe where it comes from.'
Livingston-Holmes will then send a text to Kolling seeking an explanation on the billing, but said that he 'does not respond' or provide a possible solution.
"There's just random numbers that I don't even know where he is getting them from," said Livingston-Holmes.
Throughout the 'inconsistent billing,' Livingston-Holmes describes that she only uses the water to shower and do laundry.
"Pretty much that is the only way we consume the water that comes out and sadly we are forced to bathe in that kind of water," said Livingston-Holmes. "We don't brush our teeth with that water and showers are very quick."
Not only has the water been non-consumable, but it has also affected Livingston-Holmes' home.
She stated that her toilet had to be replaced due to the water because it is 'disgusting.'
"The water is that poor, that you have to replace your appliances," said Livingston-Holmes. "We made replacements for our bathroom floor and appliances, as well as have sewer backup maintenance. We also have to resort to getting water from the store."
Although these recurring issues have been happening, actions have been taking place to solve the problem.
Actions taking place
A lawsuit was filed against Kolling by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity , which would allow them to grant the services that is needed by the public and is in the public interest.
The current status of the lawsuit is not known at the moment, but Salina Post will provide updates once known.
Saline County Commissioner, Joe Hay is aware of the current situation, but has stated that ‘his hands are tied.’ Hay commented that he has discussed this issue with several different agencies and government bodies.
According to Hay a mortgage foreclosure notice has been filed against Kolling, after agencies such as Redi Clean Water Well Rehab (Little River, KS), WaterWise Enterprises (Oxford, KS) and Walton Plumbing and Heating have not 'received any payments' for the well and sewage services conducted at Sundowner.
“I am very upset that the water is not drinkable and that it has not gotten any better," said Hay.
Don Teeters of Redi Clean stated that Sudowner has been issued several 'do not drink orders.'
Redi Clean, along with Walton Plumbing and Heating conducted water well services at Sundowner for manganese issues and Teeters commented that they never received any form of payment from Kolling.
Teeters stated that the foreclosure was decided to be put on Sundowner (Kolling) and the proceedings have already been taking place.
"Kolling would be out of a job if the foreclosure goes through," said Teeters. "Sundowner has had bad publicity for over 4 years and things may start be getting a little better."
A set court date for the foreclosure is set to occur on December 3, 2025.
Boil water advisory Nov. 16, 2025
Just recently on Sunday, November 16 a boil advisory was issued at Sundowner.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued the advisory due to a waterline break, which resulted in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.
According to the KDHE, the advisory will remain in effect, until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.
Salina Post will provide an update once the advisory is rescinded.
Hay stated the residents "seem to be doing okay," despite the advisory.
"We are moving forward, slowly," said Hay. "I really want to get this taken care of."
Salina Post has contacted Scott Kolling for a comment several times, and has not reached back out.
Stay connected with the Salina Post on this story, as we will continue to provide updates.