City of Topeka asks water customers to begin flushing water lines

TOPEKA, Kan. — While the City of Topeka remains under a Boil Water Advisory, Utilities staff are asking all water customers, who are able, to start flushing water through their water supply systems in an effort to help ensure that the fresh water makes its way to every customer.

Flushing a system varies based on the size of a building. Generally, customers should turn on all indoor faucets in their home or business for 10-15 minutes to flush approximately 40 gallons of water through their system. Due to outdoor weather conditions, consider using only indoor faucets like sinks, tubs, toilets and other washing appliances. Regular water use habits, like taking a shower or doing laundry are also effective methods of flushing. For homes or businesses with larger water heaters, flush for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Additional guidance on flushing procedures are laid out by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/…/Flushing-Interior-Plumbing…

The City of Topeka will remain in a Boil Water Advisory until we have satisfied all of KDHE testing requirements and they have lifted the advisory. Per KDHE standards, city staff is required to collect 100 samples throughout the city, to verify we’re meeting all appropriate standards.

Because we are still in a Boil Water Advisory, we urge please continue to follow all KDHE guidelines as outlined here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/…/Consumer-Information…

Due to the amount of time the sampling process takes, we are still anticipating that Friday, January 19 is the earliest that KDHE could consider lifting the advisory.