9:00 AM, November 24, 2016 – City crews were able to connect to a water source from Big Hill Lake last night, however, even with this connection our system still lost water over night as this connection can only replace a small percentage of water that is lost. Therefore, it is extremely important that citizens do not use tap water and do not flush their toilets if at all possible. This affects all City of Independence, Kansas residents; Montgomery County Rural Water Districts #1, #4 & #8; and Montgomery Consolidated Rural Water District #1.
We have non-potable and bottled water available at two locations at City Hall at 811 W. Laurel and ICC West at 2600 W. Main Street. Please bring your own containers for the non-potable water that can be utilized for flushing your toilet, however, do not consume it.
City crews worked through the night and City Hall is open today. If you have transportation please check on your homebound neighbors to see if you can assist in providing water for them. If you have questions, wish to volunteer or if you are homebound and have no way to obtain water at one of the distribution points please call 620-332-2500. Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency.
Again, it is extremely important that everyone cooperate and do not waste what little water the system has to avoid further extending this emergency for everyone. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this emergency.
7:30 PM, November 23, 2016 – Bottled water is available now at ICC West at 2600 W. Main and at the north drive-through at City Hall at 811 W. Laurel. For homebound residents that need water taken to them, or if you wish to volunteer, please call 332-2500.
4:00 PM, November 23, 2016 – All outdoor recreational burning is prohibited during the water emergency; such as bbq’s, fire pits, etc.
1:15 PM, November 23, 2016 – Non-Potable water is available now at ICC West located at 2600 W. Main Street. Bring your own containers. Non-potable water can only be used to flush toilets, it is not to be used for consumption. We are anticipating bottled water being available later this evening.
The Montgomery County Emergency Preparedness Director Shawn Wallis has advised that Caney and Cherryvale are not affected.
11 AM, November 23, 2016 – Effective immediately all non-life sustaining water usage is prohibited for all City of Independence water users, this includes City of Independence, Kansas residents; Montgomery County Rural Water Districts #1, #4 & #8; and Montgomery Consolidated Rural Water District #1. We appreciate your cooperation during this emergency situation. We will be providing updates throughout the day as the situation develops.