Sylvia residents under boil water advisory following well pump failure

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents in the Reno County community of Sylvia are under a continuing boil water advisory after a well pump failure caused a drop in water pressure, raising concerns about potential bacterial contamination.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the order on July 25 for the city of roughly 200 residents. Until the advisory is lifted, customers are instructed to vigorously boil tap water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, avoid using household automatic ice makers, and flush out any dirty-looking water. Officials also advised disinfecting dishes in clean tap water mixed with one teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon.

According to the KDHE, the loss of adequate water pressure can deplete protective chlorine residuals in the distribution system, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria. The advisory will remain active until the underlying issues are fixed and a certified laboratory confirms the water is safe. Only the state agency has the authority to officially rescind the order.

The sudden pump failure occurred as the town works to update its municipal water infrastructure. Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, previously announced a $1 million grant in 2023 for Sylvia to construct new wells. The KDHE also provided an additional $1.8 million financing package late last year for well construction, waterline replacements, and a new chlorination facility.

Customers with questions about the current advisory can contact the Sylvia water system at 620-486-2472 or the KDHE at 785-296-5514.

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