LONGTON, Kan. - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Longton in Elk County.

Pump failure caused the city’s distribution system to lose pressure. Whenever such a loss of pressure occurs, it is possible for contaminants to enter the system. Also, chlorine residuals may drop to levels that are inadequate to protect against bacterial contamination.

Once water service is restored, customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
· Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water.
· Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
· Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
· If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

The advisory will remain in effect until testing of water samples indicates no evidence of contamination and all other conditions which place the systems at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. The city and/or KDHE will notify media when the boil water advisory has been rescinded.