Large Water Main Break Leads to Boil Advisory in North Kansas City
The Incident
North Kansas City is currently dealing with a significant water main break that occurred near Macken Park. This incident has resulted in a boil water advisory affecting all city water customers due to a noticeable drop in water pressure throughout the distribution system.
Emergency Response
City crews have been working around the clock to repair the damage caused by the break. However, operations are still underway as of this morning, leading to potential delays in water restoration. The North Kansas City Hospital has confirmed that several surgeries scheduled for today have been postponed due to the water outage.
Traffic Disruptions
As repair efforts continue, several routes near the affected area are closed to traffic. Notable closures include:
- Clark Ferguson Drive at Ozark and Howell
- Walker Road between Highway 210 and Rock Creek Parkway
- Vernon/Highway 1 between 26th and 32nd Avenues
Access to the hospital is currently recommended only from the south, utilizing Vernon Road off Highway 210.
Health Advisory
City officials have released an important health advisory regarding the water supply. Due to the pressure loss, there is a risk of contamination in the system, which could introduce disease-causing organisms. Residents are urged to not drink the tap water without boiling it first.
Boiling Instructions
To ensure safety, residents should:
- Bring water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes.
- Allow it to cool before using.
- Use bottled water wherever possible for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation.
Support Measures
In response to the situation, Culligan Water is distributing cases of bottled water at the North Kansas City High School parking lot. Residents are allowed to take one case per household, while supplies last.
Staying Informed
North Kansas City Water Utilities will provide updates and will announce when the boil advisory is lifted, which will occur once they confirm the water supply meets safety standards. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and dispose of any storage water or ice made from the affected supply.
Further Assistance
If residents have questions or need more information, they can contact the North Kansas City Water Utilities Customer Service at City Hall by calling 816-274-6000.
