(WICHITA, Kan.) — The City of Wichita say its temporarily plugged a leaking valve at the sewage treatment plant at 2305 E. 57th Street. It's not known when the leak started or how much wastewater entered the Arkansas River.
The city and the Kansas Department of Health and Enviornment discovered the leak Saturday, one day after issuing a public health advisory for the river. Both organizations are sampling water quality to determine the effectiveness of the temporary plug. Permanent repairs will be made after an inspection by KDHE.
The health advisory was issued Friday because of elevated level of bacteria and a fish kill. KDHE says everyone should stay out of the water between the Lincoln Street bridge in Wichita and the Oklahoma state line. Pets and livestock should be kept away from the river.
So you may be wondering, what does this mean for the upcoming Riverfest? Samples are being taken to ensure the safety of festival attendees.
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Leak plugged but Riverfest organizers planning ahead
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River caution flags will be posted during Riverfest to alert attendees. Blue flags indicate no restrictions, green flags indicate that boating is allowed but that no water should be ingested, and orange flags restrict contact with the river.
The City of Wichita moves forward with a plan to reassure River Festival attendees that the Arkansas River water is safe.
