Current boil water orders/advisories in the Heartland

For many families across the Midwest, the phrase “boil water” has become all too familiar. In a recent move by state health officials, a boil‑water order now covers a swath of counties in Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa, prompting citizens to take immediate action to protect themselves and their loved ones.

What the Order Means

A boil‑water advisory is the public health department’s way of telling people that the drinking water in a given area may contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants that could lead to illness. Under this order, residents must bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or preparing baby formula. The state’s health agency stresses that boiling effectively kills most bacteria and viruses that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems.

Where the Order Applies

The latest advisory, issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), covers sixteen counties across three states:

State	Counties Covered
Missouri	Clay, Cass, Ray, Gentry, Platte, and St. Joseph
Kansas	Sedgwick, Finney, Butler, and Cowley
Iowa	Dallas, Polk, and Des Moines

The counties are all linked by shared water systems that draw from the same regional aquifer. A recent inspection revealed elevated levels of coliform bacteria—an indicator of potential fecal contamination—across multiple sampling sites.

Why the Contamination Occurred

The state agencies cited two primary factors in their decision:

Infrastructure Aging – Many of the regional water treatment plants, especially in the more rural areas, were built in the mid‑20th century and have been operating beyond their expected lifespan. Pipe corrosion and valve failures can introduce contaminants into the system.
Agricultural Runoff – The heartland is a patchwork of farmlands, and runoff from fields can carry fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste into groundwater supplies. This runoff is especially problematic during heavy rain events, when water moves quickly through the soil.

An independent audit by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the aquifer’s protective layer has been compromised in several sections, allowing surface contaminants to seep into the water supply more readily.

Official Statements

Dr. Maria Sanchez, director of the MDHSS, stated, “Our primary concern is public health. The bacteria we detected could cause serious gastrointestinal illness if people consume untreated water. Boiling is a quick, inexpensive way to eliminate these threats.”

Similarly, Health Commissioner Tom Anderson of KDHE emphasized the importance of following the guidelines. “We’re working with local water utilities to get these systems back to compliance as quickly as possible,” Anderson said. “In the meantime, boiling the water is the safest bet.”

How Residents Can Protect Themselves

Bring Water to a Rolling Boil – Heat water to the first full rolling boil, then let it boil for at least one minute. If you’re at high altitude, let it boil for at least two minutes.
Use Bottled Water for Non‑Drinking Purposes – If you need water for brushing teeth, washing dishes, or preparing infant formula, use bottled water or pre‑packaged water for these tasks.
Filter or Pasteurize – If you have a reliable filtration system that meets EPA standards, it can be used as an alternative to boiling. However, not all filters remove bacteria, so confirm with the manufacturer.
Check Your Water Source – Residents in affected areas should contact their local water utility for updates on the status of the treatment plant and any planned repairs.
Avoid Long‑Term Storage – Boiled water should be used within 24 hours. Store it in clean, covered containers.

How Long Will the Order Last?

The health departments plan to lift the boil‑water advisory once the contamination levels fall below the federal and state safety thresholds. This is expected to occur within 30 to 60 days, depending on the speed of infrastructure repairs and the mitigation of agricultural runoff. In the meantime, officials are urging residents to stay informed by checking the official websites for each state’s health department and subscribing to local alert notifications.

The Bigger Picture

The current boil‑water order is part of a growing wave of public health actions across the United States aimed at addressing aging water infrastructure and environmental contamination. In 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, allocating billions of dollars to modernize pipelines, treatment plants, and monitoring systems nationwide.

For now, the residents of Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa’s heartland must heed the warning: Boil your water, and do it fast. The health of families across the region hinges on this simple, but vital, precaution.

Read the Full KFVS12 Article at:
[ https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/10/14/current-boil-water-ordersadvisories-heartland/ ]

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