The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a boil water advisory Tuesday for the city of Goessel.

A leak in the city’s main water line caused the water system to lose pressure. When such a loss of pressure occurs, it is possible for contaminants to enter the system, and chlorine residuals may drop to levels that are inadequate.

Public works employee Matt Voth discovered the leak on Marion Avenue near the water tower and summoned repair crews.

Anyone served by the affected public water system should observe the following precautions:

• Boil water vigorously for one minute prior to use. Boiling longer than three minutes may adversely affect the quality and taste of the water.
• Use only boiled water for drinking, diluting fruit juices, and all other food preparation.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled.
• 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.

5. Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing or using water for any reason so contaminated water is not accidentally ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The boil water advisory will remain in effect until testing of water samples indicates no evidence of contamination.

Goessel City Clerk Anita Goertzen said water samples will be hand delivered to the Continental Analytical Lab in Salina for testing once the leak is fixed.