Emergency repair of an old Eudora waterline Wednesday afternoon led to a temporary shutdown of the city’s water system, and a “boil order” advisory was issued to residents.

City Supt. Jim Boyer said city officials told residents to boil tap water before drinking it. The advisory was based on a recommendation from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“They advised that we should do this to err on the side of caution, to make sure the water is safe to drink,” Boyer said.

Boyer said city crews shut down the water lines Wednesday afternoon to repair part of an old cast-iron water line in central Eudora. Some customers saw a drop in water pressure; service to others was completely cut off.

The shutdown could make it easier for bacteria to enter the water line and contaminate water, Boyer said.

KDHE officials said Eudora water customers should observe the following precautions:

• Boil water vigorously for one minute before drinking, diluting fruit juices, or using it in 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.

6News video: Eudora under ‘boil order’ for water consumption

• 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.

Water samples have been sent to a lab for testing. Boyer said the boil advisory could be lifted in fewer than 24 hours.

“But,” he said, “it will be in place until further notice.”