Topeka issues boil water advisory Sunday, citing extreme weather as possible factor
Topeka has issued a boil water advisory for residents Sunday morning.
City officials issued the advisory as a precaution after finding chlorine residual levels at the water treatment plant didn’t meet minimum standards required by regulators.
The city’s water system has been stressed by low water levels and extreme cold, the city said. Out-of-range chemical doses could put the water system at risk of bacterial contamination.
City staff is working to resolve the issue.
Until further notice, residents in Topeka and Shawnee County should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation.
If tap water appears dirty, customers should let the water run until it clears. Residents should dispose of any ice cubes and avoid ice from a household automatic icemaker.
Dishes and other food contact surfaces should be disinfected by immersion for at least a minute in clean tap water combined with one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
Water used for bathing doesn’t need to be boiled, but parents should monitor their children to make sure they don’t ingest any bath water. People who have cuts or severe rashes may want to consult a doctor before bathing in water that hasn’t been boiled.
The city will provide an additional update for residents at 5 p.m. Sunday.
