City of Wichita
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded the boil water advisory for the City of Wichita after all 195 water test results came back clear and free of contamination. Wichita water has remained safe for normal use and consumption.
The advisory was issued early Wednesday morning after a loss of pressure in the water system. The pressure loss followed a power outage caused by the failure of generators that were being used during Tuesday night’s storm.
Water samples were collected from testing locations throughout the system Wednesday. Following the required 24-hour incubation period for bacteria testing, City staff and KDHE reviewed the results Thursday afternoon. Testing found no evidence of bacteria, and KDHE determined that other conditions that could have placed the system at risk of contamination had been resolved.
“We’re thrilled to clear everyone and want to assure the community that our water is safe and cleared for normal use and consumption,” City Manager Marstall said. “I’d like to thank our Public Works staff and KDHE for working quickly to test our water and ensure that our water is safe for our residents.”
Based on the results, KDHE confirmed there was no presence of bacteria in the City’s system and released a notice stating that the boil water advisory had been rescinded.
Wholesale water utilities that use Wichita water should contact their municipality for guidance on their boil advisories.
The City collected samples near the point of connection for wholesale customers, but per regulation, they are responsible to do the same for their respective systems.
Customers in those areas should continue following their local boil water guidance until notified otherwise.
The City is also continuing to investigate the cause of the generator power failure and will review procedures intended to prevent a similar multi-failure power outage in the future.
“The safety of our water customers is our highest priority,” said Public Works and Utilities Director Gary Janzen. “We appreciate the community’s patience and perseverance throughout this event, as well as the work of our crews, contractors and KDHE.”
Residents within the City of Wichita may now resume normal water use, including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, preparing food and more.
Although no contamination was found, Wichita water customers are encouraged to turn on the cold water tap at all faucets and run the water until they feel a change in temperature (i.e. the water gets noticeably colder). This will help remove air trapped in the pipes and clear out stagnant water.