The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a warning to people in the city of Emmett.

Their water is contaminated with fecal coliform and possibly E. coli bacteria.

The notice was given to residents yesterday saying though it is not required by the state, they may want to boil the water before using it.

This coliform contamination is described as an acute maximum contaminant on the KDHE website.

The violation is a tier 1, which means the city was to notify residents within 24 hours of the contamination being found.

This also requires the city to initiate consultation with the state within 24 hours.

Fecal coliform and E. coli can make anyone sick, but poses a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.

People in Emmett should boil the water before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing their teeth, washing dishes , and preparing food until more testing has been done and the contamination level is lower.

The notice does not specify why the water is contaminated, but mentions excess water run off or a break in the distribution system as possible reasons.