The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Thayer and the Coal Hollow Water Company public water supply systems located in Neosho County.
The advisory was issued Thursday after a loss of pressure in the water system, which placed it at risk of bacterial contamination due to a loss of chlorine residuals.
It will remain in effect until certified laboratory testing submitted to KDHE confirms no presence of contamination and other issues placing the system at risk have been 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 21, 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 loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
If you have questions about the advisory, contact the City of Thayer at 620-839-5353, Coal Hollow Water Company at 620-433-7720, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. Additional information can be found online at https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service
