By Trish Svoboda

City officials in Topeka issued a boil water advisory on Sunday that has now been extended until at least Friday.

On Sunday morning, city staff found that chlorine residual levels at the water treatment plant did not meet minimum standards required by regulation, according to the advisory. Utilities staff identified a mechanical problem as the likely cause of the low chlorine levels. The combination of low water levels and severe weather has strained the city’s water system, and out-of-range chemical doses pose a risk of bacterial contamination.

City personnel are working to address the issue. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice, and residents will be informed once it is lifted.

Customers are advised to observe the following precautions:

• 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.