NORTON —Governor Jeff Colyer declared a state of disaster emergency on Friday for the City of Norton due to harmful algae blooms in Sebelius Lake.
Kansas Army National Guard soldiers from the 137th Transportation Company (PLS) prepare their load of water to transport it to Norton-
Photo courtesy Kansas National Guard
According to a media release from the Adjutant General’s Office, the algae blooms are affecting the surface water intakes for the public water supply. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the Norton public water supply on June 19.
“The cause of this response is due to the harmful algae bloom in Lake Sebelius, which is where the city gets most of its drinking water,” said Leo Henning, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Director of Environment.
“We are working closely with federal, State and local leaders on monitoring and testing water supplies. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of those in the community. We are working quickly with others to resolve the water quality concerns.”
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management requested Kansas National Guard resources to transport 26 pallets of bottled water to Norton.
The bottled water was donated by Harvesters in Kansas City, Missouri, and Topeka. The 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, based out of Olathe, will transport the pallets to the Manhattan National Guard Armory on Saturday morning, June 23. The 997th Brigade Support Battalion, based out of Hays, transported the water Saturday afternoon from Manhattan to Norton.