Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers you have to right to know and what we are doing to correct the situation.

When disinfection (such as chlorine) is used to treat drinking water, disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form compounds called disinfection byproducts (DBP). EPA sets standards to control levels of DBP in drinking water, including Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM). Compliance is based on 4-quarter average of sample results for each location where TTHM samples are collected, called a locational running annual average (LRAA). The TTHM standard for any one LRAA is 80 ug/L. Results for a sample we collected on 08/13/2025 show that our system exceeds the standard or maximum contaminant level for TTHM. For 3rd Quarter of 2025, one of the LRAA where TTHM samples are collected was 83 ug/L.

You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However, some people who drink water containing TTHM in excess of standards over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

The city has contacted the rural water district where our water is sourced and treated to correct this issue as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact Darrell Bohnert at 785-428-3600 or by mail at 308 Delaware, P.O. Box 385, Jewell, KS 66949

Please share this information with others who may not have received this notice directly.