Wichita Water Advisory Spreads to Suburbs

Wichita experienced widespread low water pressure on Wednesday morning, stemming from a power outage at its primary water treatment facility. Though power has since been restored, the city has implemented a boil water advisory for all its water customers.

This precautionary measure is in place while the Kansas Department of Health and Environment conducts essential safety testing. The advisory requires all users of Wichita water to boil it for at least one minute or opt for bottled water. The KDHE holds the sole authority to lift the advisory upon concluding its testing, an estimated 24-hour process.

The impact extends beyond Wichita's city limits, as wholesale water customers are also affected. Suburbs purchasing water from Wichita, including Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Kechi, Rose Hill, Valley Center, Park City, and Maize, are under the advisory. These communities cannot begin their own testing until Wichita's is resolved, potentially prolonging the disruption for their residents.

Some suburbs, like Haysville and Goddard, utilize their own water systems and are not impacted by this advisory. However, specific facilities within these areas, such as Campus High School in Haysville, which receives Wichita water, must adhere to the safety precautions.