money Water not safe for some to drink in parts of Sumner County, Kansas officials say
The water in areas of Sumner County is not safe to drink for bottle-fed infants and children under 6, Kansas officials say.
The water in Wellington, Mayfield and Sumner County Rural Water Districts 1, 2 and 3 is not safe for those age groups. Water samples showed a blue-green algae toxin called microcystins above the acceptable levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“For children over 6 years and adults the water remains acceptable for drinking, food preparation and all household use,” the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in a news release. “Residents are advised to not boil the water because it will concentrate the microcystin.”
Samples showed the toxin exceeded the EPA’s “10-day Health Advisory levels of 0.3 micrograms per liter of microcystins,” making it unsafe for those infants and children.
“Microcystins entered the public water supply due to blue-green algae blooms occurring in Wellington City Lake, which is the source water for the City of Wellington’s water supply,” the KDHE said. “The City of Mayfield and Sumner Co. Rural Water Districts 1, 2 and 3 purchase water from the City of Wellington.”
Ongoing water tests will show when the water will be safe to drink again.
Gov. Laura Kelly issued a verbal disaster emergency Thursday night. The declaration allows for state resources.
