WELLINGTON, Kan. (KAKE) - Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency due to a drinking water advisory in Wellington, Mayfield, and Sumner County Rural Water Dist. 1, 2 and 3.

A release from the governor's office on Friday said that samples collected by the City of Wellington showed levels of a blue-green algae toxin called microcystins in drinking water which exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s 10-day Health Advisory levels.

"Bottle fed infants and children under 6 years old should not consume the water," the release said. "For children over 6 years and adults the water remains acceptable for drinking, food preparation and all household use."

Residents should not boil the water, because doing so will concentrate the microcystin.

Affected residents can pickup free bottled water at Wellington High School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The City of Wellington said water will be limited to one case per vehicle and that households with children under under the age of 6 will receive priority. 

Gov. Kelly's declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties.

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A toxin found in blue-green algae has been detected in drinking water in Sumner County Rural Water Districts 1, 2 and 3. 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a drinking water advisory warning for parts of Sumner County after microcystins were detected in the drinking water. The level was above the Health Advisory level for infants and children under six years old but safe for children over six and adults. People are advised to not boil the water before use because it may concentrate the microcystin.

The City of Wellington Public Water Supply is working with KDHE on the issue and will continue to monitor microcystin levels.