TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a Nitrate Advisory for the City of Lucas public water supply system located in Russell County. The advisory is being issued because of system upgrades that may take several weeks. 

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: 

• DO NOT GIVE TAP WATER TO INFANTS. Infants up to six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.  

• Water, juice, and formula intended for infants up to six months should not be prepared with tap water.  Use bottled water or other water low in nitrates for this purpose.  

• DO NOT BOIL TAP WATER.  Nitrate levels cannot be reduced by boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water run.  Excessive boiling can concentrate the nitrates as water evaporates because the nitrates remain in the liquid.  

• ADULTS AND CHILDREN older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.    

• Tap water can be used for bathing. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.   

• Tap water may be used to flush toilets.