TOPEKA – A boil-water advisory that affected Great Bend water customers east of U.S. HWY 281 was lifted Friday morning by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The advisory was issued on Wednesday because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in part of the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
“Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Great Bend indicates no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that place the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved,” KDHE’s Friday statement noted.
Great Bend City and KDHE officials issued news releases on Wednesday. The City provided more information on Thursday, explaining what led to the advisory:
“Following a contractor bore strike on Wednesday on a water main in the 700 block of 10th Street, City of Great Bend Utility crews were dispatched to the area. A drop in water pressure was observed, primarily affecting the southeast area of the community.
“Utility crews were able to quickly isolate the damaged main and begin repairs. Repairs, system flushing, and verification of chlorine residuals were completed at approximately 11 p.m.”
A boil-water advisory can only be lifted by the KDHE.
At 6 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, Great Bend’s Utilities Department laboratory personnel began collecting the 15 required bacteriological samples from throughout the affected area. The samples were then transported to the KDHE laboratory in Topeka for analysis. The advisory remained in effect while City officials awaited the required laboratory results and KDHE’s confirmation that the advisory could be lifted.
The Great Bend Tribune received a news release from KDHE shortly after 11:30 a.m. Friday, and the City was quick to send its own statement about the lifting of the boil-water advisory.
On Thursday, as the City awaited the testing results, a news release stated, “We understand the inconvenience a boil-water advisory creates and we greatly appreciate the community’s patience while the required testing process is completed.”
