Major Water Main Break Triggers Boil Water Advisory for Pottawatomie and Jackson Counties

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, KS — Health officials have issued a boil water advisory for rural residents in Pottawatomie and Jackson Counties following a significant water main break on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Pottawatomie County Rural Water District #4 reported the break shortly before noon. The damage is located along Jeffrey Road, north of St. Marys. While repair crews are currently on-site working to fix the line, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has implemented the advisory as a safety precaution due to the potential loss of water pressure.

Impacted Areas

The advisory affects several communities and specific rural stretches, including:

• Pottawatomie County Rural Water District #4
• The City of Delia (Jackson County)
• Jeffery Energy Center
• Residents between Highway 63 and H Road, specifically from St. Clere Road to Gailand Road.

Residents in these areas are also being asked to conserve water until further notice to assist with the system’s recovery.

Safety Precautions for Residents

The KDHE advises all impacted customers to follow these guidelines until the advisory is officially rescinded:

• Boil Water: Use water that has been at a rolling boil for at least one minute for drinking, food preparation, or brushing teeth. Alternatively, use bottled water.
• Ice Safety: Dispose of existing ice cubes and do not use automatic icemakers.
• Cleaning Dishes: Disinfect dishes by soaking them for at least one minute in a solution of one teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of clean tap water.
• Cloudy Water: If tap water appears discolored, run the cold water tap until the water clears.
• Bathing: While boiling water for bathing is generally unnecessary, parents should supervise children to ensure no water is swallowed. Those with open cuts or severe rashes should consult a physician.

Contact Information

The boil water advisory will remain in effect until the KDHE confirms the water is safe through laboratory testing. For questions, residents can reach out to the following:

• KDHE: 785-296-5514
• Water Supplier: 785-456-7935