The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Elk City public water supply system.

 Until further notice, customers should 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. If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears. 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 a health professional.

 Water used for brushing and rinsing teeth should be boiled or bottled. Health professionals should not use tap water through equipment in the treatment and care of patients.

 The advisory took effect yesterday and will remain in effect until conditions are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a line break which caused low water pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain the required water pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.