HUMBOLDT Contaminated water spilled from the scene of an early morning fire at Mid-West Fertilizer in Iola has prompted Humboldt to suspend operations at the citys water plant.
Humboldt city officials announced shortly before noon today they were shutting down the plant because of possible contamination in the Neosho River.
With the shutdown, the city has issued a water conservation notice, noting the citys water supply is contained to what is stored in its water towers.
The amount of water currently in storage tanks is limited and water supplies are starting to decline, the city announced in a press release issued this afternoon.
Residents are asked to limit water consumption, and avoid such things as doing laundry, washing dishes, washing cars or watering houseplants until the water supply can be restored.
The City is advising residents to limit water usage to drinking and sanitary purposes.
Firefighters worked feverishly with Iola farmer Doug Strickler to contain the water runoff incurred while they battled the blaze, but it was not enough to keep the water from reaching the river.
The water likely reached the river south of Iolas intake location, meaning water service is unaffected for customers in Iola and Gas.
The shutdown affects the City of Humboldt as well as Rural Water Districts No. 9 and 10.
Crews from the Kansas Department of Transportation were awaiting test results to determine whether the contaminated water has cleared.
