The City of Topeka water treatment plant has been noticing higher than normal levels of chloride in the Kansas River. An excess of chloride in the water means that there is higher levels of salt than normal in the water at this time. The water is in compliance with all standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It has been determined that the water with high levels
of chloride is coming out of the Smokey Hill River which feeds into the Kansas River west of Topeka. The source of the chloride in the Smokey Hill River is unknown at this time.
The City has received inquiries about contaminated water at the Goodyear and Frito-Lay plant on the morning on June 14th. After speaking with a Goodyear representative it was determined that the contamination that they are experiencing is high levels of Chloride (salt) which they cannot use for their production.
There is no primary drinking water maximum contaminant level for chloride. However there is a secondary drinking water standard of 250 mg/L which is a guideline and not enforceable by the EPA. These secondary standards regulate contaminants that may cause cosmetic or aesthetic effects. We have been in contact with Region 7 of the EPA which has confirmed that we are in compliance with all drinking water regulations.
Currently the chloride level in the Kansas River is at 286 mg/L. We did record a reading of 316 mg/L on June 12th, 2018. The previous high level which had been recorded was 300 mg/L in October of 1994.
The elevated levels of chloride in the water is not an emergency and customers do not need to seek an alternative water source. The water leaving the treatment plant complies with all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Due to the high level of salt contentcustomers that are on a restricted salt diet may want to consult with their physician.
The two technologies currently available to remove chloride are reverse osmosis and electro-dialysis. Currently the City of Topeka treatment process is not designed for desalination given the fact that we draw our water from the Kansas River.
The City of Topeka Utilities Department is dedicated to providing clean and safe water to every customer. We will continue to keep you, the customer, informed as we move forward.