Water Turned Back On In Nowata, Coffeyville And Independence

Officials in Coffeyville, Independence and Nowata have been given approval to start using water from the Verdigris River again.  

Nowata Mayor David Lynn says the state Department of Environmental Quality gave the community the go ahead to produce water after an explosion and fire in Neodesha, Kansas on Tuesday led to chemicals leaking into the Verdigris River.

On Thursday, the DEQ said it believed ethylene glycol leaked into the river.  The river is the water source for all three communities.

11/24/2016 Related Story: Officials Believe Chemical Used In Antifreeze Leaked Into Verdigris River

In Kansas, the cities of Coffeyville and Independence said Kansas officials also gave their approval Friday to restarting water distribution.  

Coffeyville officials say residents are still under a boil order for the next couple of days as well as a water watch.  The watch means no outdoor water and residents need to still be conservative when washing clothes and dishes.

Independence officials have canceled their water emergency, adding the water is now safe to drink and normal water usage can resume.

Communities from Nowata to Independence had to shut the water off to keep the chemical out of their water systems.

The emergency caused Nowata residents to spend their Thanksgiving getting bottled water.