HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A recent notice sent to Hutchinson water customers about a lead and copper reporting violation resulted from an administrative error, rather than a water quality issue, according to the city.
The city said it completed the required lead and copper service line inventory and notified affected residents. However, copies of those notifications were not attached in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s reporting portal as required.
That omission triggered a requirement to notify all water customers, even though only a small portion have service lines classified as lead, galvanized requiring replacement or unknown. Those customers had previously received direct notifications, the city said.
Residents do not need to take any action in response to the reporting violation notice, according to the city. No boil water notice was issued, and the city said customers do not need to boil their water or take other precautions. Boiling water does not remove lead.
The city also said its lead sampling meets state requirements.
City officials acknowledged that receiving the notice could raise questions and encouraged residents to review the frequently asked questions available through the city’s website for additional information.