Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said Tuesday that officials have an update that water samples are being taken and delivered for testing. At this time the Boil Water Advisory remains in effect. That is for Junction City, Grandview Plaza and Geary County Rural Water District One.
Meals will go out for our homebound seniors served by the Geary County Senior Center on Tuesday, as they did Monday. There will be NO IN-PERSON dining at the senior center on Tuesday. Officials are having the water tested to determine if they are able to resume in-person dining, possibly Wednesday.
The Geary County Emergency Operation Center held a meeting Monday morning with the City of Junction City, Grandview Plaza, Fort Riley, Geary Community Hospital, Junction City and Rural Fire, along with other Geary County Officials in attendance to update everyone on the water supply for the City of Junction City, Grandview Plaza, and Rural Water District #1.
Water levels are nearing normal operational levels within the system across the city, with most tanks being within a few feet of normal operational levels. All households that receive their water from the Junction City Water Treatment Plant should have running water within their households at this point.
While houses have running water, residents should take note that a Boil Advisory remains in effect until the water within the system has been tested by the state and deemed safe for consumption. At this point, the Boil Advisory is scheduled to remain in effect through Tuesday, but this could change depending on the test results.
All business and industrial facilities are cleared to reopen, including car washes and laundry mats.
The no-burn order remains in effect for the County through Thursday, December 23rd. This includes fire pits and burn piles for storm debris.
There have been many questions about the water now that households have running water again, please refer to the following Q & A section to see if your questions have been answered.
Q. What is the Status of the water system repairs?
A. Crews have got pumps working at the water treatment facility and the system is nearing normal operational levels. All residents should have water within their households now.
Q. What is a boil water advisory?
A. In the United States, our drinking water supply is normally safe. Yet diseases that spread through water remain a very real problem. If something has happened that could allow the water supply to become contaminated, a boil water advisory may be issued. There are a variety of reasons for such an advisory. For instance, there may have been a water line break, flooding, or intentional or unintentional contamination of the water supply. When a boil water advisory is issued, the following precautions should be taken:
• Boil water vigorously for 1 minute before using it. Boiling it longer than 3 minutes may adversely affect water quality and taste.
• Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, diluting fruit juices, and all other food preparation.
• If non-potable water (water from the affected water supply) is used for handwashing, bare-hand contact with any food is prohibited. (Normally bare-hand contact is only prohibited for ready-to-eat foods). This includes any ice made by automatic ice makers. This ice will contain contaminants and should be disposed of. Ice from automatic ice makers will not be safe for consumption until the boil order has been lifted.
• Dispose of ice cubes, and do not use ice from an automatic icemaker. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled or purchase bagged ice from an area not under advisory. Flush the icemaker water line after the advisory is lifted.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersing them for at least 1 minute in clean tap water that contains 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Stop using fountain pop machines connected to a contaminated public water supply. Please monitor media outlets for notification about when the advisory is lifted.
Once an advisory or order is lifted, typically at least 24 hours after issuance of the advisory or order, you will need to take additional steps before resuming normal operations.
Q. When will the Boil Order be lifted?
A. Currently the boil order will remain in effect through Tuesday, December 22nd. We will update residents when the water in the system is safe for consumption. Residents are encouraged to follow local law enforcement and emergency management social media pages and pay attention to local news outlets for these updates.
Q. What is the current level of the water Towers? Have the filled?
A. The water towers and underground storages have not been fully filled at this time, but they are within a couple of feet of normal operational levels. It is expected that these facilities will reach normal operational levels by the end of the day (December 20th, 2021).
Q. Are residents able to begin doing laundry and other non-essential water-related activities?
A. Yes! Residents can do non-essential water-related tasks such as washing dishes, washing clothes, washing cars, etc.
Q. Has the current water supply been tested for contamination? If so how bad is the current contamination?
A. The water is currently being tested by the state to determine when water will be safe for consumption. At this point, the boil order remains in effect. Residents are to refrain from consuming water they get from the tap. This includes ice produced in automatic ice makers. This ice should be thrown out and not consumed until the boil order has been lifted.
Q. Do I need to clean out my faucets?
A. Yes. You should flush your faucets after the drinking water advisory.
* Turn on the main water valve.
* Turn on the cold water tap at all faucets and run the water until you feel a change in temperature (i.e. the water gets noticeably colder). This may take several minutes. Begin with the faucet that is highest up in your home or building and then open the other faucets one at a time moving from the highest floor to the lowest.
Q. Do I need to clean appliances?
A. Yes. Read the owner’s manual for directions to clean appliances such as water softeners and filter units.
Q. The water is discolored. What should I do?
A. Flush water pipes by running the water until it is clear.
Do not wash clothes if the water is discolored. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap. Wash a load of dark clothes first.
The Geary County Senior Center Christmas luncheon has been canceled for this year due to ongoing water issues. Officials said that there will also be no in person dining on Monday at the center. The center may attempt to host a large luncheon at some point after the first of the year and updates will be posted to our Facebook page and JC Post if this happens. Thank you as always for your support and understanding.
The Senior Center cannot reopen until officials there are told the water safe for human consumption and use.
Geary County Sheriff's officials issued a notice that the Warming Shelter was ending operation at 6pm Sunday.
Thank you JC Naz, Charles Martinez and volunteers for organizing and facilitating a place for those in need to stay. We appreciate your outstanding efforts even in the middle of the night.
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said Sunday afternoon that Sunday morning they were able to engage a high pressure pump and water is filling the system faster. Officials are seeing a water level in one tower. Of course fuller towers will increase pressure greatly.
Care has been taken to move quickly but not carelessly and cause more issues.
Emergency Operations Center officials updated the water supply situation.
As of Sunday morning, water services have been restored to a large portion of Junction City. Officials are aware that there are areas where water is still not flowing. They are thanking everyone for their patience during this time, as it has been lengthy process. When the electric panels and water pumps were finally repaired at the Water Treatment Plant, water pressure had to be increased slowly, while Junction City Fire along with volunteers from Geary County Rural Fire and City Public Works opened fire hydrants to relieve air pressure and air pockets from the water mains. If water had been sent out of the facility at its normal operating pressure it would have caused several water main breaks and it would have taken longer for residents to have their water services restored.
Higher elevation areas take longer to receive their services restored as all the water towers were completely drained and the pumps from the Treatment Plant had to pump the water up the hills while also filling the water towers.
Workers and volunteers have located broken water lines and mains in the water system and are working to fix the issues so water can be restored in those areas.
At this time the City of Junction City is asking those without water to contact the Junction City Police Department at (785) 762-5912 and select option “0” to speak with a dispatcher and advised them or your location in attempt to identify other problem areas.
Statement from a Kaw Valley Consultant:
“Pressure will only increase with water elevation in the tanks. We are only pumping 1 MGD and if everyone wakes up to water and uses some, the booster pump will not keep up. The areas you listed will continue to be an issue till we get feet of water in the two towers.”
Junction City, Grandview Plaza, and Rural Water District #1 are still under a Boil Water Advisory and we ask for everyone to still conserve water.
Geary County is still under Burn Ban.
Officials thanked everyone in the community and all the volunteers for how they have pulled together to take of their neighbors during this time.
Statement from Geary County Emergency Management:
Anyone without water service to your residence can call the PD at 785-762-5912. Option 0 Many have reached out to us and I appreciate you doing so. We appreciate your patience while the City continues to help us achieve water pressure. Questions on Facebook and messenger may not be seen right away. Thank you for your understanding.
We are still in a conserve water advisory and boil water advisory which are still ongoing and will be until further notice.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
Please refrain from doing dishes or laundry as we are still trying to get water to ALL
Follow protocols per KDHE guidelines which can be found on the Geary County Health Deprtment website and our Facebook page.
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel issued a statement Sunday morning:
Water continues to enter the system. City crews are out in the system monitoring. As mentioned earlier it will take time to build the system. The goal is to fill the towers but it will take time until that is possible. Care is being taken not to have a problem or a setback. A good portion of The electric system at the water plant had to be replaced due to the water damage. The City will be working with Veolia Water to evaluate what occurred. This firm has operated the City water and wastewater facilities for many years. The city Public Works Department operates distribution. As of 5 a.m. this morning Most of the City has water service. A few areas are still slow, but improving. Staff is still out in the system working to take care of this. Again Boil Order remains in effect. Allen Dinkel City Manager
Crews are still out working. Water is gradually and progressively moving to all service lines. Gravity is not our friend. So keep that in mind. Just be reassured that water is on the way. Many have asked from Skyline way up high, North Park, Patriot Pointe Quinton Point and other areas even beyond that. So far no problems have been encountered.
Please note until the water supply is stabilized the public is asked to conserve water. Do not do laundry or wash dishes. Do not drink the water as we are under a boil advisory from KDHE until further notice.
Approximately 10 pallets of water are available for the public in the parking lot on the west side of Junction City. Not all of the community has water yet but work is proceeding to restore service.
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said Saturday afternoon progress is being made with the water situation. Of course it’s not going fast as we would hope but staying on a steady pace. The level at the Spruce underground tank continues to increase. Hopefully by late afternoon early evening, water can be pumped to the high pressure side. Even though this has been a tough process, everyone has worked diligently to move forward. Again the boil order remains in effect. As with any crisis situation, we funnel all information through the emergency preparedness of Geary County.
The Geary Community Hospital is starting to field calls in reference to people drinking the water from their taps. Please, keep in mind ALL of Junction City, Grandview Plaza and Rural Water District #1 are under a boil water advisory. Please do not consume the water from your taps without following the proper boil procedures.
If your water is provided by the Cities of Junction City, Grandview Plaza, and Geary County Rural Water District #1, Geary County, public water supply system specified in this notice, you will need to take precautions in your food facility. Please monitor media outlets for information about the situation.
Q. What is a boil water advisory?
A. In the United States, our drinking water supply is normally safe. Yet diseases that spread through water remain a very real problem. If something has happened that could allow the water supply to become contaminated, a boil water advisory may be issued. There are a variety of reasons for such an advisory. For instance, there may have been a water line break, flooding, or intentional or unintentional contamination of the water supply. When a boil water advisory is issued, the following precautions should be taken:
• Boil water vigorously for 1 minute before using it. Boiling it longer than 3 minutes may adversely affect water quality and taste.
• Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, diluting fruit juices, and all other food preparation.
• If non-potable water (water from the affected water supply) is used for handwashing, bare- hand contact with any food is prohibited. (Normally bare-hand contact is only prohibited for ready-to-eat foods)
Continue to conserve water was a key message coming from Geary County Emergency Management on Saturday morning. With the gradual return of water service, usage was picking up. Emergency Manager Garry Berges asked the public to try and hold off for a few hours on such activities as washing clothes and dishes until the full service is restored.
The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library is open Saturday with regular hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Library Director Susan Moyer said the public restrooms are open so people can use them and wash their hands. There continues to be no drinking water, though, and that will continue until the boil notice is lifted. People can also bring their devices and connectors and plug in to recharge their phones, laptops.
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel has provided information on the work to restore water service.
Water continues to enter the system. The tank at Spruce Street is slowly filling. Progress has slowed down some as I’m sure people are getting up and using water. We’re trying to meet this morning to make decisions on how to get water to the high side of town. Electric transformers arrived at about one a.m. and they’re working to get more of the plant electric service up which is going to help in plant operation. A lot of people have put in some long hours and officials are making sure they stay safe and are thinking clearly. Since the HVAC system is in the basement, it was flooded. So they’re discussing options to keep chlorine room warm enough and also the chemical feed room. We will continue to be under a boil order and it may be a 2 or 3 day period until it is lifted. As with everything only time will tell
Water service began to gradually return to lower lying areas of Junction City early Saturday morning, while work will continue to provide water to the higher areas, including the west side of town.
About one a.m. crews got some water flowing into the distribution system, but it may take some time yet to restore full service. Work is not yet complete.
Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges posted this update about 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Everyone is patiently waiting and we appreciate your patience. We are aware that specialist and personnel are still at the water plant. No word just yet but in the mean time remember it is not safe to drink when it does come back on. Follow the following KDHE guidelines:
Boil **Water Advisory Issued for Junction City, Geary County*
*TOPEKA - *The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Junction City water supply system located in Geary County. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
* 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 ice maker.
* 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.
The advisory took effect on December 16, 2021 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a power outage, resulting in unknown water quality in the distribution system.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
Attempts are being made late Friday to start the pumps at the water plant. City officials are hoping water service will be returned sometime tonight. It will be necessary to continue boiling water through Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Cases of water were still available at mi-afternoon at the Old Junction City High School (900 block of N. Eisenhower Dr.). There were also a limited supply of gallon jugs of water available.
Water Buffalo Stations have arrived at JC NAZ (1025 S. Washington St.) for distribution. Please remember to bring your own jugs and containers to hold water.
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra scheduled Saturday night at the C.L. Hoover Opera House has been postponed due to the problem with water service in Junction City. It will be rescheduled at a later date.
Officials in Grandview Plaza report that there is water distribution at 406 State Ave. Community Center Parking Lot until the supply is depleted.
The Geary County Historical Museum will be closed Friday due to the water supply issue.
Geary County EOC officials said about 1:30 p.m. water has arrived in Junction City.
The 1st semi with pallets of water has arrived in Junction City and are available for distribution from the Old Junction City High School. There are also a limited supply of gallon jugs of water available
More information was released by EOC officials just after 11 a.m. on water distribution to meet local needs created by supply issues at the Junction City Water Plant.
The limited number of cases of water has been depleted at the Old Junction City High School (900 N. Eisenhower Dr.) site. Water Buffalo stations are currently en route to this location as well as JC Naz (1025 S. Washington St.) and will be set-up and ready to distribute water by 12:00 p.m. Please remember to bring your own containers to fill with water. Water distribution is setup until 5:00 p.m. tonight or until water supplies are diminished.
Please be patient as follow Traffic Control Officials to ensure everyone gets in and out quickly and safely.
There are still two semi-trucks with cases of water bottles enroute to Junction City and we will send out further updates when and where you can get supplies from them once they are in position and able to start fulfilling needs.
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The Geary County Emergency Operation Center held a follow-up meeting Friday morning with Junction City, Milford, Grandview Plaza, Fort Riley, Geary Community Hospital, and Geary County Officials in attendance to update everyone on the damages sustained to the Junction City Water Treatment Facility, the status of the repairs and plans moving forward.
City of Junction City Officials are still working on the Water Treatment Facility and are hopeful water services will be restored by this evening, however, water will still be under a boil advisory until KDHE can confirm the water is safe for consumption.
Please keep in mind Geary County is under a burn ban at this time because of the water shortage.
A limited number of cases of water were available starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Junction City High School located at 900 N. Eisenhower Dr..
Emergency Manager Garry Berges said Fort Riley would be bringing water tankers with drinkable water if people bring their containers. "Later on we'll have some semi-loads of water coming out of the Topeka area."
Berges also noted that there are farmers that have provided water for the toilet facilities at different nursing homes.
For Geary County Residents who are still without power there are two locations currently accepting residents for shelter as the Fresh Start Emergency Shelter is no longer able to accept anyone. Please check the following list for location and operating hours:
1025 S. Washington St. Junction City
12th Street Community Center
1002 W. 12th St. Junction City
Hours of Operation: 7:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m.
Junction City Public Works will be putting porta potties at multiple locations due to the water supply problem.
--Four on the 7th Street side of the Municipal Building
--Two at the C.L. Hoover Opera House
--Two at the 12th Street Community Center
--Two at Fire Station two at 2245 Lacey Drive
--Three at Heritage Park at the intersection f West 6th Street and North Washington
--Three at the Junction City Police Department
--Two at Public Works at 2324 North Jackson
--Two at the Water Treatment facility at 2101 North Jackson
--One at the Southwest Plant at 3200 Industrial Street
--One in the park at 2307 North Jackson
--One at the East Plant at 427 Grant Ave.
--One at the old Junction City High School
--One at the JC Naz Church location
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said Friday morning part of the effort to restore water service to the community is to try a manual bypass to get water into the system. Also, officials are waiting for parts to arrive from Oklahoma to make repairs to the electrical system in the plant. About 600,000 gallons of water filled the basement of the facility overnight into Thursday morning. The water has been pumped out but repairs remain to be completed.
Dinkel said some water may be coming in from Fort Riley this morning for the community. That is still being finalized at this point. "It will probably be bulk water that people have to bring containers to. "
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel has provided an update concerning the ongoing water supply problem.
Crews are still working on reestablishing the operation of the Water Plant. At this time it is hoped that water can be back in the system by early afternoon on Friday, December 17. This is a complex situation and many things have to be done to restore the plant.
We are working with Garry Berges of the Geary County Emergency Preparedness to bring potable water to the City.
We will continue to update as more is known.
The repairs to the Junction City Water Plant and restoration of water service will take awhile. Based on information provided by Junction City Public Works Director Ray Ibarra, the portions of town located in hilly or high areas may have very low water pressure or no water at all Friday morning. If you reside in a lower area of the community some water may still be available. "Especially on the high side, which may be the ( west ) water tower which will be on the hilly parts of the city you will not have any kind of water pressure at all, if you even have water. " There will be a little bit of water on the low side of town until the water in the lower system runs out.
Ibarra encouraged water conservation where service remains. Also boil water if you plan to consume any of it.
Workers put in a 14-hour day on Thursday at the water plant after finding the facility's basement flooded early in the morning. Last night they called it quits for the night but plan to return in the 6-6:30 a.m. time frame Friday morning to continue repairs.
Ibarra commented that they have to get the water into the system at the water plant, then into a nearby reservoir and then they can begin pumping water to the low underground tanks and then the high tanks. He added that it would be a several hour process. "It's just a mess. "
City Manager Allen Dinkel officials do have an engineer working on the situation and they're hopeful that by the noon - one p.m. time frame they can have water back into the town's system. He added that while they hope to have water by that mid-day time frame "there are so many pieces and parts that have to come together."
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel has announced that as of late afternoon Thursday portions of the city were without water due to issues at the Water Treatment Plant. Teams were working to restore water as soon as possible, but no timetable has been set. The boil water order cannot be lifted until water tests are taken and analyzed at a KDHE lab in Salina.
Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said most of the water has been pumped out of the basement of the water plant where flooding had occurred. "Dave's Electric is here on scene trying to make sure power is where they need to be with the panels. They're having a little bit of a problem there."
Berges noted that on the west side of Junction City there were people with little or no water pressure and the City Fire Department is aware of it. " There has also been contact with officials at Geary Community Hospital. "They're looking at what they need to do. Without water pressure up there if they're going to be able to keep the people in the hospital that are hospitalized or what they're going to need to do."
The emergency manager noted that everyone is working to get the problem resolved. He added if they get the power back on and they're able to get that pump back running, and that is expected shortly, then they could begin filling the water towers. In the meantime more people could lose their water pressure. He urged water conservation.
If the pumps were restored to working order, Berges was hopeful the entire city could be back with water service Thursday night.
The problem occurred when the basement of the Water Plant flooded during the overnight hours following the wind storm on Wednesday. The basement was flooded with approximately 600,000 gallons of water.
Boil water advisories are in effect for Junction City, Grandview Plaza and Geary County Rural Water District One.
The City of Junction City has issued a boil water order due to issues at the water treatment plant. City officials confirm that there is still water in the system; however, as a precautionary measure they are advising citizens to boil water for human consumption.
Work is being done to restore the system as soon as possible, and officials will continue to update the public as they learn more.
The boil water advisory follows the overnight flooding of the basement of the water plant.
Grandview Plaza officials have announced that they have issued a boil water advisory and the advisory is also now in effect for Rural Water District One. The advisories all stem from the same issue.
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