Hoisington Lifts Boil Water Advisory After Clean Tests; Lebo and Admire Orders Remain Active

Hoisington, Kansas, residents can once again drink tap water safely after the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) lifted the city’s final boil water advisory on October 22. Laboratory testing confirmed the absence of bacterial contamination in the water supply.

As of October 23, however, boil water advisories remain in effect for two other Kansas communities: Lebo in Coffey County and Admire in Lyon County, according to KDHE notices.

For Hoisington households, the rescinded order marks a return to normal routines, though officials recommend a few precautionary steps to flush plumbing and appliances that held untested water during the six-day advisory period.

A Week of Pressure Losses in Barton County

The disruption began on October 16, when KDHE issued an advisory for Hoisington customers south of the railroad tracks to Button Road, including the All Seasons Mobile Home Court, following a well pump malfunction that caused a loss of system pressure.

On October 20, a waterline break cut pressure again, prompting KDHE to expand the advisory to all customers north of the tracks, effectively placing the entire city water system under the order.

KDHE lifted the advisory for the southern portion on October 21 and rescinded the remaining northern advisory the following day, clearing the entire city. Only KDHE can lift such an advisory, and only after samples pass testing at a certified laboratory.

KDHE notes that pressure loss is the most common disruption in water service. When pressure drops, chlorine levels can fall, creating a risk for bacterial contamination. Advisories are issued because a system is at risk, often before any contamination is confirmed.

In Hoisington, two separate failures—a failed well pump followed by a leaking line—struck the same system within five days. The testing that ultimately ended the advisory found no bacteria present.

Lebo and Admire Remain Under Advisories

In Lebo, east of Emporia, KDHE issued a boil water advisory on October 22 after a waterline break caused a pressure drop across the city system. Residents with questions can contact the city water system at 620-256-6622.

In Admire, north of Emporia, an advisory has been in effect since October 14 because the system could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual, KDHE said. A similar advisory for nearby Allen was lifted on October 20, but Admire’s order remains in place. The Admire water system can be reached at 620-343-5379.

Residents under an active advisory should boil water for one minute before drinking or cooking, or use bottled water. Ice from automatic icemakers should be discarded, and dishes should be disinfected by soaking for at least one minute in water containing one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon. Bathing is generally safe, though young children should be supervised to prevent swallowing water.

Infants, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk from potentially contaminated water. Parents should not mix infant formula with untreated tap water; ready-to-feed formula or bottled or boiled water is safer until the advisory ends.

Cleanup Steps After a Boil Order Ends

KDHE directs residents to its water service disruption page, which notes that flushing household plumbing may be necessary and recommends contacting the local water system with concerns.

Utility guidance from other regions offers practical steps. The Pinellas County, Florida, utility guide advises running cold water at every tap for at least five minutes, discarding the first batch of ice from icemakers, and washing pet bowls before refilling them. Filter instructions vary by product, so residents should check the manufacturer’s directions.

Anyone who observes cloudy or discolored water, even after the advisory is lifted, should call the Hoisington water system at 620-653-4125.

Families who consumed tap water without boiling it during the advisory do not need to panic, since testing found no bacteria. However, anyone experiencing stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting after drinking untreated water should contact a doctor, especially for babies, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. Severe dehydration or bloody diarrhea requires urgent care.

Questions about the state’s role can be directed to KDHE at 785-296-5514. Restaurants and food businesses can call the Kansas Department of Agriculture food safety program at 785-564-6767. KDHE posts new advisories and rescissions as they occur, and residents of Lebo and Admire can monitor updates there.

Key Questions Answered

Is Hoisington’s water safe to drink now?

Yes. KDHE lifted the remaining advisory on October 22 after lab tests found no bacterial contamination.

Why was the advisory issued?

A well pump malfunction and a waterline leak caused pressure losses, which can allow bacteria to contaminate the system.

Which Kansas towns still have advisories?

Lebo in Coffey County and Admire in Lyon County remained under advisories as of October 23.

What should residents do after the advisory is lifted?

Run cold taps for several minutes, throw out the first batch of ice, and report discolored water.

Who can lift a boil water advisory in Kansas?

Only KDHE, after samples pass testing at a certified laboratory.

Where can Lebo and Admire residents get answers?

Lebo residents can call 620-256-6622, Admire residents can call 620-343-5379, and KDHE can be reached at 785-296-5514.

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