Kansas Ag Connection - National Guard Hauling Water After Algae Bloom Emergency

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National Guard Hauling Water After Algae Bloom Emergency
Kansas Ag Connection - 06/24/2018

Governor Jeff Colyer declared a state of disaster emergency on Friday for the City of Norton due to harmful algae blooms in Sebelius Lake. The algae blooms are affecting the surface water intakes for the public water supply. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the Norton public water supply on June 19.

"The cause of this response is due to the harmful algae bloom in Lake Sebelius, which is where the city gets most of its drinking water," said Leo Henning, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, director of environment. "We are working closely with federal, State and local leaders on monitoring and testing water supplies. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of those in the community. We are working quickly with others to resolve the water quality concerns."

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has requested Kansas National Guard resources to transport 26 pallets of bottled water to Norton. The bottled water was donated by Harvesters in Kansas City, Mo., and Topeka. The 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, based out of Olathe, transported the pallets to the Manhattan National Guard Armory on Saturday morning. The 997th Brigade Support Battalion, based out of Hays, will transport the water Saturday afternoon from Manhattan to Norton.

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