Do Not Drink Order issued for City of Sylvia public water Supply

SYLVIA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a Do Not Drink Order for the City of Sylvia's public water supply system in Reno County following a water line break that caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system.

The advisory, which took effect April 17, 2026, warns that the drop in pressure may have compromised chlorine residuals and allowed bacterial contamination. Compounding the situation, KDHE officials say nitrate has been detected in portions of the distribution system — a factor that significantly alters the standard guidance given to residents during such outages.

Normally, customers are advised to boil tap water during a loss-of-pressure event. However, KDHE is explicitly warning Sylvia residents not to boil their water. Boiling does not reduce nitrate levels and can actually concentrate them as water evaporates, leaving higher levels of the contaminant in the remaining liquid.

Infant Safety a Primary Concern

Officials are urging particular caution for households with young children. Infants up to six months of age who consume water with nitrate levels exceeding the maximum contaminant level, or MCL, could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. All water, juice and formula intended for infants in that age group should be prepared using bottled water or another source known to be low in nitrates.

What Residents Can and Cannot Do

Until further notice, Sylvia water customers should observe the following precautions:

• Do not drink tap water or use it for brushing teeth. Use bottled water instead.
• Do not use tap water to cook or prepare food.
• Do not give tap water to infants.
• Do not boil tap water for any drinking or cooking purpose.
• Dispose of any ice made from tap water and do not use ice from household automatic icemakers.
• Tap water may be used for bathing, though adults should supervise children to ensure water is not swallowed.
• Tap water may be used to flush toilets.

Bottled Water Available

For residents in need, the city is providing limited bottled water at 120 S. Main St.

How the Order Will Be Lifted

The advisory will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial and nitrate contamination are resolved. Regardless of who announces a Do Not Drink Order, only KDHE can issue a rescind order, and only after testing has been completed at a certified laboratory.

Consumers with questions may contact the Sylvia water system at 620-486-2472 or KDHE at 785-296-5514. Additional information is available at kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption.

Restaurants and food establishments with questions about how the order affects their operations may contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture's food safety and lodging program by email at kda.fsl@ks.gov or by phone at 785-564-6767.