FRONTENAC, Kan. — Just as things seemed to humming along in Frontenac, a water main burst early Thursday morning, which was followed by another, then another, and another. Frontenac Mayor Steve Morrison said, in total, there are four breaks in the water system scattered throughout the city.

The breaks were discovered early and city crews have been working to resolve the issue. Morrisson said residents do have water service, though it may be temporarily interrupted as crews shut off service in certain neighborhoods to make repairs.

Morrison did not speculate on the cause for the break but said it is the old lines that failed, not the new ones. The first break drained the water tower and as a result, a boil order was implemented.

On his official Facebook page, Mayor Morrison explained that a boil order is issued as a precaution when there is a water main break or pressure loss that could allow contaminants to enter the system. Boiling the water kills any harmful bacteria or other organisms, making the water safe to consume.

Once a boil order is given, by any agency, only the Kansas Department of Health and Environment can lift it. To do so requires several samples to be collected and tested. Morrison said with the weekend so close, he expects the boil order to remain in effect through the weekend and into Monday.

In the meantime, the City of Frontenac urges all residents to boil any city water for the foreseeable future, especially if that water is to be used in food production or consumed in any way.

Some general guidelines for when to boil water are:

Drinking or making coffee, tea, or other beverages, including preparing infant formula

Making ice (from tap water and water dispensers on refrigerators — don’t use the ice maker)

Giving water to pets

Cooking or food preparation, including washing fruits and vegetables

Brushing teeth

Once at boiling point, water should be boiled for at least one full minute before using.

As long as you are not ingesting the water, bathing or showering does not require boiling, although young children should be monitored as they are more likely to ingest water accidentally.

If using a dishwasher, boiling is not necessary but running the washer through a sanitize cycle is recommended. If washing by hand, use boiled water.

Ultimately, if in doubt, err on the side of caution and boil your tap water before using it.

Morrison regularly posts updates on his official Facebook page, “Office of Frontenac KS Mayor Steve Morrison.”

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews