KDHE
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a Nitrate Advisory for the city of Lucas public water supply system in Russell County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
➢ DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate higher than the maximum contaminant level (MCL) could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.
• Juice, formula and food for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
➢ DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
➢ 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.
The city will provide free of charge an alternate source of drinking water for all infants less than six months of age, pregnant women, and other at-risk customers as identified by a health care provider. Alternate water will be available for customer pick-up at the Home Oil and Service Convenience Store, 5499 Hwy 18. Residents must present a coupon from the City of Lucas in order to receive the bottled water. Coupons are available at the Lucas Civic Center, 201 S. Main.
The advisory took effect on September 3 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are resolved. Only KDHE can rescind this Nitrate Advisory following testing at a certified laboratory.
If you have questions, please contact the City of Lucas at (785) 525-6425 or you may call KDHE at (785) 296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of this Nitrate Advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.