Kansas Department of Health and Environment
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has downgraded a Do Not Drink Order to a Boil Water Advisory for the City of McDonald public water supply system located in Rawlins County. The order was issued because of possible bacteria contamination combined with unknown nitrate levels in the distribution system due to use of an untested well. New testing indicates that nitrate levels are below drinking water standards. However, a bacterial test was positive for coliform bacteria. The system will remain on a Boil Water Advisory until all conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.
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.
- If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
- 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.
- Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on May 24, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a positive bacteriological sample.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-538-2222, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the Do Not Drink Order on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.