On Tuesday, May 25, three water main breaks in the southwest part of Manhattan caused the water pressure in that part of the system to drop below 20 psi. When water system pressure drops below 20 psi, there is the potential for bacterial contamination. In response, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) for that part of town as standard procedure.

Approximately 4,700 water customers were impacted by the advisory. A Boil Water Advisory is a precautionary measure issued by KDHE to alert customers when there is a potential for compromised water quality. Under an advisory, it is recommended that customers boil all water for consumption or used in the preparation of food for people and pets. Bathing, washing, and laundry can continue as normal. 

The next level of response is Boil Water Order, which is a confirmation that contamination is present in the water system. Under an order, is essential that customers boil all water used in the preparation of food and beverage for consumption. No orders were issued as part of this event, only an advisory for a specific portion of the system.

City staff delivered water samples to the KDHE environmental laboratory in Topeka on Tuesday. The samples were analyzed on a high-priority basis. After an 18-hour incubation period, the lab found no bacterial contamination and water was declared safe for normal use for all areas of town on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 26.

We appreciate the patience of all water customers and are grateful for the hard work by city and contracted crews to fix the water mains, restore service, and ensure public safety. 

Read the news release from KDHE at https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/5-26-21%20manhattan%20rescind.pdf