Health advisory issued for Arkansas River

(WICHITA, Kan.) — A public health advisory has been issued for parts of the Arkansas River.  The Kansas Department of Health and Enviorment put out the warning Friday due to elevated levels of bacteria.

The bacteria was discovered during routine sampling of the water.  KDHE also says there's been a fishkill in areas where there is black and odor filled water.  The parts of the river under an advisory extend from the Lincoln Street Bridge in Wichita to the Oklahoma state line.

KDHE advises individuals to have no contact with the Arkansas River between the locations identified above until further notice.  Residents are also advised to keep their pets and livestock from making contact with the water.
 
The cause has not been identified. KDHE is conducting an investigation and will continue to follow up with water testing to determine when this notice can be lifted.