(WIBW) - People in two Cherokee County cities are being advised to boil their water before using it.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory Monday for Scammon and Roseland.

KDHE says a break in a water main resulted in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. The water main has since been repaired, but whenever such a loss of pressure occurs, it is possible for contaminants to enter the system. Also during this time, disinfection (chlorine) residuals may drop to levels that are inadequate to protect against bacterial contamination.

Residents in the Cities of Scammon and Roseland served by the affected public water system should observe the following precautions:

·Boil water vigorously for one minute prior to use. Boiling longer than three minutes may adversely affect the quality and taste of the water.
·Use only boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth, diluting fruit juices, and all other food preparation.
·Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled.
·Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
· Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled.

Supervision of children is necessary while bathing or using backyard pools so water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory will remain in effect until testing of water samples indicates no evidence of contamination and all other conditions which place the systems at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.