What can I do/not do during a Boil Water Advisory?
The KDHE and CDC both have guidance regarding a boil water advisory. Some questions you can find answers to in the below links include:
• What if I have a water filtration system?
• How do I safely wash my hands or brush my teeth during the advisory?
• Can I wash dishes or do laundry?
KDHE: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2599/Boil-WaterAdvisory-Consumer-Information-PDF
If you still have additional questions, please contact KDHE at 785-296-5514.
I am a Rural Water District (RWD) customer, how do I know if I’m affected?
If you are a Rural Water District customer, please contact your district directly to find out if you are under the advisory. If you’re unsure which RWD you are in, please visit: https://krwa.net/ONLINE-RESOURCES/RWD-Maps/Shawnee
What should I do if I think I consumed possibly contaminated water?
If you believe you consumed possibly contaminated water, please contact your primary care physician for guidance.
When will the Boil Water Advisory be lifted?
The Boil Water Advisory is anticipated to be in effect until at least Friday, January 19, 2024.
Why will it take so long to lift the advisory?
We need to allow time for the fresh water to flush the system before we begin the sampling process. We have several data stations around the city, and we are monitoring those to verify that the fresh water is making its way through the distribution system. Once we are confident that has happened, we will begin our sampling regimen. With more than 60 million gallons of water flowing throughout our system, it will take time to flush that out.
What caused this issue?
Low water in the river causes strain on the system for a variety of reasons, such as an increase in turbidity. When combined with extremely low temperatures, it puts even more strain on the system, the pipes and equipment. After going through the entire system, staff discovered a broken PVC gas pipe on our chlorine gas system. We expect it cracked due to the extreme cold temperatures.
Does the Boil Water Advisory apply to pets?
The same precautions should be taken for pets as they are humans. Boil water or use bottled water for pets.
Will the city be providing any bottled water assistance?
Currently, we are not planning for any bottled water assistance. We want to clarify that we do not have a shortage of water in our distribution system. We are simply asking consumers to boil water as a precaution prior to drinking or food preparation.
I own a restaurant or food establishment; how does this impact me?
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785- 5646767.
¿Qué puedo hacer o que no puedo hacer durante un aviso de hervir el agua?
Tanto KDHE como la CDC cuentan con orientación sobre un aviso de agua hervir el agua. Algunas preguntas a las que puede encontrar respuestas en los siguientes enlaces incluyen:
• ¿Qué sucede si tengo un sistema de filtración de agua?
• ¿Cómo me lavo las manos o me cepillo los dientes de forma segura durante el aviso?
• ¿Puedo lavar los platos o lavar la ropa?
KDHE: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2599/Boil-WaterAdvisory-Consumer-Information-PDF
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/drinking-wateradvisories/boil-water-advisory.html
Si aún tiene preguntas adicionales, comuníquese con KDHE al 785-296-5514.
Soy cliente del distrito de agua rural (RWD), ¿cómo sé si estoy afectado?
Si usted es cliente del distrito de agua rural, comuníquese directamente con su distrito para averiguar si está bajo el aviso. Si no está seguro de en qué distrito de agua rural se encuentra, visite: https://krwa.net/ONLINE-RESOURCES/RWDMaps/Shawnee
¿Qué debo hacer si creo que consumí agua posiblemente contaminada?
Si cree que consumió agua posiblemente contaminada, póngase en contacto con su médico de atención primaria para obtener orientación.
¿Cuándo se levantará el aviso de hervir el agua?
Se anticipa que el aviso de hervir el agua esté en efecto hasta al menos el viernes 19 de enero de 2024.
¿Por qué tardará tanto en levantar el aviso?
Tenemos que dejar tiempo para que el agua fresca lave el sistema antes de comenzar el proceso de muestreo. Tenemos varias estaciones de datos alrededor de la ciudad y las estamos monitoreando para verificar que el agua esté fluyendo a través del sistema de distribución. Una vez que estemos seguros de que haya sucedido, comenzaremos nuestro régimen de muestreo. Con más de 60 millones de galones de agua fluyendo por todo nuestro sistema, se necesitará tiempo para eliminarlo.
¿Qué causó este problema?
Los bajos niveles de agua en el río causa tensión en el sistema por diversos motivos, como un aumento de la turbidez. Cuando se combina con temperaturas extremadamente bajas, pone aún más tensión en el sistema, las tuberías y el equipo. Después de pasar por todo el sistema, el personal descubrió una tubería de gas de PVC rota en nuestro sistema de gas de cloro. Creemos que se haya agrietado debido a las temperaturas extremadamente frías.
¿Se aplica el aviso de hervir el agua a las mascotas?
Se deben tomar las mismas precauciones para las mascotas que para los seres humanos. Hierva agua o use agua embotellada para mascotas.
¿Proporcionará la ciudad ayuda con el agua embotellada?
Actualmente, no estamos planificando ninguna asistencia con agua embotellada. Queremos aclarar que no tenemos escasez de agua en nuestro sistema de distribución. Simplemente pedimos a los consumidores que hiervan el agua como medida de precaución antes de beber o preparar alimentos.
Soy dueño de un restaurante o establecimiento de comida; ¿cómo me afecta esto?
Los restaurantes y otros establecimientos de alimentos que tengan preguntas sobre el impacto del aviso de hervir el agua en sus negocios pueden comunicarse con el programa de seguridad alimentaria y alojamiento del Departamento de Agricultura de Kansas en kda.fsl@ks.gov o llamar al 785- 564-6767.
TOPEKA, Kan. – City of Topeka Utilities staff have completed necessary repairs at the Water Treatment Plant and are working to begin distributing fresh water through the system. At this time, it seems the issue was most likely caused as a result of the recent extreme cold temperatures. Due to the large water volume that was impacted, it will take some time to ensure that we have safe drinking water throughout our distribution system. We will allow adequate time before we begin sampling procedures to ensure accurate test results for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The boil advisory currently remains in effect and will be until KDHE verifies our water meets their standards. The city will alert customers once the advisory has been lifted by KDHE. The city will continue to update as we can and appreciates the community’s patience while we work to resolve this matter.
For more information on what to do during a boil advisory, please visit: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Consumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt or call KDHE at 785-296-5514.
TOPEKA, Kan. – The City of Topeka has issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory for customers in Topeka and Shawnee County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
• 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.
• 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.
City of Topeka officials issued the advisory as a precaution after discovering chlorine residual levels at the water treatment plant did not meet the minimum standard required by regulation. Low water levels and extreme weather have stressed the City’s water system and out of range chemical doses may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination. City staff is currently working to resolve the issue. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice and residents will be notified once it is lifted. The City will provide further updates as they become available and will provide an update at 5 p.m. today. For consumer questions, please contact the City of Topeka at citycommunications@topeka.org, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Consumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.
The City of Topeka’s utility relocations are underway in Downtown Topeka in preparation for the larger Polk-Quincy Viaduct Reconstruction project, which is being led by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).
The city must relocate sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water utilities before reconstruction of the viaduct can begin in the spring of 2025. Work will include replacing and relocating aged infrastructure, some of which is nearly 100 years old.
The city’s utility relocations include six total projects in the general area of the viaduct. The viaduct spans I-70 from MacVicar Ave. to 6th St.
In total, approximately 12,600 square yards of pavement, 7,035 feet of sanitary sewer, 2,644 feet of storm sewer and 6,009 feet of water line will be removed and replaced.
The first of the six projects, identified as Project 2, included the closure of 1st St. between Polk St. and Taylor St. This project included new water line and is scheduled to be complete in January 2024.
The remaining five projects, referred to as projects 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are set to begin in early 2024. Project timelines will be coordinated to help minimize traffic and construction impacts to businesses, drivers and residents. While the city will make efforts to minimize full road closures and maintain two-way traffic throughout construction, commuters who regularly drive the I-70 corridor through downtown should plan for potentially significant traffic delays. Alternate routes are encouraged. Detour information will be posted and shared in advance of any full road closure.
The city developed a website that is dedicated to these utility relocation projects. To view detour information, status updates and more, please visit https://www.topeka.org/utilities/pqv/.
City of Topeka Utilities Director Sylvia Davis is expected to make a presentation about these projects to the Governing Body during the January 9, 2024 Topeka City Council Meeting. Listen in person or watch live on Cox Local Channel 4, Facebook or the City4 Livestream. Community members are encouraged to tune in to learn more about the projects.
The City of Topeka is offering a new Property Tax Rebate Program to help lessen the property tax burden for qualifying Topeka residents who are 65 or older.
The program, which is now live, was approved by Topeka’s Governing Body in September of 2023 and is being administered by the city’s Administrative and Financial Services Department. The city’s program is similar to, but separate from the State of Kansas Homestead Refund Program.
“This City has lowered the mill levy for consecutive years, and the City Council is committed to working on property tax reduction for citizens. Most importantly, ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens can remain in their homes without worrying about their tax bill is a priority for all of us in City Hall. This program is one more step in that direction,” said Councilman Spencer Duncan.
The program allows for a rebate, or refund, of a portion of the property taxes paid on a Topeka resident’s home. The rebate will come from and cannot exceed the property tax amount that was originally paid to the City of Topeka.
The city’s rebate program is not available to renters. Applicants must own and occupy their primary home within Topeka city limits and meet all necessary eligibility qualifications to receive a property tax rebate. All rebates will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
Residents who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to visit https://www.topeka.org/finance/property-tax-rebate-program/. Eligibility and sign up information is included online. Additionally, hard copies of applications are available in person in the document holders in the lobbies of City Hall and the Holliday Building. No electronic applications will be accepted.
Residents with questions about the program are asked to email taxrebate@topeka.org or call 785-368-3970.
The City of Topeka announced Tuesday that it is parting ways with former Chief Financial Officer Freddy Mawyin.
Mawyin had been on administrative leave since December 11, 2023 following his arrest for domestic battery.
As this relates to a personnel matter, the city will not be commenting further.
Rachelle Mathews has been named Acting Finance Director and will serve in the role until further notice.
During the December 5 Topeka City Council Meeting, Topeka’s Governing Body is expected to approve a contract extending Richard U. Nienstedt’s time as Interim City Manager. This extension will allow the city time to search for a long-term City Manager.
“The Governing Body is ready to move towards finding a long-term City Manager. Richard is doing a wonderful job serving as Interim City Manager, and we’re thrilled that he will stay on while we search for our long-term City Manager,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “The Governing Body believes it’s in the best interest of our citizens to get this process underway as soon as possible and move towards the permanency and stability our residents and employees deserve from the City Manager’s Office.”
Nienstedt first came on as Topeka’s Acting City Manager in June, before being named Interim City Manager in July. Nienstedt expects to stay for up to six more months, or until a long-term City Manager is named.
“Serving Topeka has been an honor and I’m pleased to be able to extend my time as Interim City Manager,” said Nienstedt. “I look forward to continuing to support the great work of our employees and work with our Governing Body on important policy decisions to positively impact our residents.”
The city is also negotiating amendments to its contract with Strategic Government Resources (SGR), who was initially contracted in September to search for a long-term Interim City Manager. The city now plans to have SGR conduct the search for a long-term City Manager.
In the coming weeks, the city expects to be able to provide an update about the search process for a long-term City Manager.
The City of Topeka received a near-perfect Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score in 2023, earning 97 out of 100 possible points. The score is the highest in the city’s history.
The MEI is a nationwide evaluation by the Human Rights Campaign of 506 cities on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
“This is the third year the City of Topeka has participated in the Municipal Equity Index and receiving the highest score yet is a recognition of our efforts to make Topeka an equitable, inclusive, and belonging community,” said Ernestor De La Rosa, the city’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. “As a city, we will continue to work within the organization and with our community partners to ensure we are a welcoming community where we recognize the contributions of ALL residents, including those of the LGBTQ+ community.”
“I’m so proud of our collective community efforts to reach this exciting milestone of a near-perfect MEI score,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “This score speaks to the intentional investments and thought we’ve put into ensuring greater equity in Topeka, including the creation of our DEI Office in January of this year.”
To read Topeka’s scorecard in full, visit hrc.org.mei.
The City of Topeka’s Governing Body announced Tuesday night during the Topeka City Council Meeting that the city will be taking a phased approach to the implementation of the new restricted areas for camping as outlined in the amended ordinance set to take effect on November 17, 2023. This decision is due to several factors including timing and anticipated upcoming winter weather, resources, and the ongoing homeless initiative process that is well underway.
With this phased approach, the city will immediately begin stepping up its enforcement of existing areas where camping is not permitted. This includes areas where the city receives complaints including proximity to infrastructure (bridges, bus shelters, buildings, water towers, etc.) and in our business corridors like Downtown and NOTO.
When enforcing the existing no camping areas, the city will prioritize connecting those who are unsheltered with resources and partners who provide housing assistance and other services.
The Governing Body also wants to send a strong message to those who are unsheltered that camps must be maintained in a clean and safe manner. Additionally, structures are not permitted and will be addressed.
The Governing Body plans to evaluate the implementation of all pieces of the ordinance in early 2024.