By Hutchinson Tribune Staff
YODER—The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinded a do-not-drink order for a portion of Reno County Rural Water District 101 on Friday morning.
The order was issued on Wednesday after a water main break caused a loss of pressure, which presents a risk of contamination with bacteria, but laboratory testing of water samples showed no evidence of bacterial contamination, a news release from KDHE said.
However, due to high ongoing concentrations of nitrates in the water, KDHE advises customers in Rural Water District 101 not to give the water to infants younger than six months, including formula or juice prepared with tap water.
Children older than six months and adults may drink the tap water, but KDHE says that customers who are pregnant or have specific health concerns may wish to consult a physician before drinking tap water from the water district.
KDHE also advises water district customers that boiling, freezing, filtering and letting water stand do not reduce nitrate levels. Excessive boiling can actually make the nitrates more concentrated.
The do-not-drink order was only for the portion of the rural water district west of the intersection of Red Rock Road and Switzer Road.
A limited supply of bottled water is available for water district residents at the Reno County Public Works building, 600 Scott Blvd., South Hutchinson.