The water leak at Veterans Circle Drive has been repaired. Thank you for your patience while repairs were being done.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 11, 2026
Contact: Jill Bronaugh
Stream Advisory Rescinded for the City of Garnett Stormwater Drainage System and Lake Garnett (North Lake)
Residents and animals should not enter the water at this time.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a stream advisory for the City of Garnett’s stormwater drainage system extending to the confluence of Lake Garnett (North Lake) that was issued on Jan 2, 2026.
The stream advisory was a result of the release of an unknown substance onto the roadways of Maple Street and Park Road in Garnett, Kansas.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sampling of the material indicates that the substance is no longer harmful. For more information on the incident, please visit response.epa.gov.
For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-759-3315 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514.
For consumer information please visit our webpage: kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service.
January 11, 2026
Contact: Jill Bronaugh
Stream Advisory Rescinded for the City of Garnett Stormwater Drainage System and Lake Garnett (North Lake)
Residents and animals should not enter the water at this time.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a stream advisory for the City of Garnett’s stormwater drainage system extending to the confluence of Lake Garnett (North Lake) that was issued on Jan 2, 2026.
The stream advisory was a result of the release of an unknown substance onto the roadways of Maple Street and Park Road in Garnett, Kansas.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sampling of the material indicates that the substance is no longer harmful. For more information on the incident, please visit response.epa.gov.
For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-759-3315 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514.
For consumer information please visit our webpage: kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service.
There is currently a water leak at Veterans Circle Drive. Services in the area will be disrupted while repairs are being made. We thank you for your patience. We will update when information is available.
Due to a water leak, the water will be shut off beginning at noon on 4th Avenue from Maple Street to Hayes Street. We appreciate your patience while the repairs are being done.
Due to heavy rains, Home Run Drive is closed at this time. Please use alternate routes.
EPA is keeping their website updated as information on the spill is available. FAQ is now available. Please refer to the link below:
https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BQKFCKrjNwT2W4PCMfZH5t9h6?domain=response.epa.gov
https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BQKFCKrjNwT2W4PCMfZH5t9h6?domain=response.epa.gov
If you feel your vehicle may have been impacted by the spill that occurred on December 31st, please contact Sarah Burkhart so we can begin gathering information.
Please reach out by phone call, text, or email no later than noon tomorrow, January 4th, to:
785-822-8584.
shulcy@andersoncountyks.org
When contacting us, please be prepared to provide the following information:
* Name
* Phone number
* Date and time contact was made
* Vehicle description
* Description of any damage
* Cleaning methods used to date
This information will help us gather accurate details. We appreciate your cooperation.
* Cleaning methods used to date
This information will help us gather accurate details. We appreciate your cooperation.
The issuance of a stream advisory on Friday, January 3, 2026, was a result of the release of an unknown substance onto the roadways of Maple Street and Park Road in Garnett, KS. This is a precautionary measure.
Garnett’s drinking water system has not been affected, as it is supplied from the Cedar Valley Reservoir and is not connected to the stormwater system. At this time, no contaminants have been observed in the stormwater system. The stormwater drainage system will continue to be monitored.
Garnett’s drinking water system has not been affected, as it is supplied from the Cedar Valley Reservoir and is not connected to the stormwater system. At this time, no contaminants have been observed in the stormwater system. The stormwater drainage system will continue to be monitored.
Today, members of Anderson County Emergency Management, City of Garnett leadership, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met to coordinate response efforts related to a roadway spill that occurred in Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025.
At this time, response agencies have not identified the substance involved. However, responders have determined the material to be a thick, clear, slick liquid with no noticeable odor that left a sticky residue. Agencies are working diligently and collaboratively to further identify the substance and ensure public safety.
Based on current information, the main portion of the spill extended from the north side of the Maple Street and Park Road intersection south to 6th Avenue, then proceeded east along 6th Avenue to Highway 169. From there, response agencies believe the involved truck continued southbound on Highway 169. Officials understand that the substance spread beyond the main path as vehicles initially drove through the material before the problem was identified.
On Wednesday night, after the spill was noted, KDOT, under the direction of KDHE, applied absorbent material to the roadway to help stop the spread of the material. As of today, EPA has mobilized a contractor to remove the substance and associated absorbent materials from the roadway and to properly dispose of them in accordance with environmental regulations.
Currently, there is no indication that the substance entered the wastewater system, nor is there any indication that air quality or drinking water have been affected. Out of an abundance of caution, response officials continue to actively monitor the wastewater and drinking water systems.
While investigators have obtained images from business security cameras along Maple Street, as well as reviewed camera footage along Highway 59 and Highway 169, the truck involved did not display any company name or identifying markings, and a license plate was not visible in the footage. At this time, officials have been unable to identify or contact the company or driver involved.
If you have any information on the vehicle involved in this incident, please contact Sarah Burkhart with Anderson County Emergency Management at 785-448-8584. Please monitor the Anderson County Emergency Management Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ANCOKSEM) for additional information and updates as the response continues.
At this time, response agencies have not identified the substance involved. However, responders have determined the material to be a thick, clear, slick liquid with no noticeable odor that left a sticky residue. Agencies are working diligently and collaboratively to further identify the substance and ensure public safety.
Based on current information, the main portion of the spill extended from the north side of the Maple Street and Park Road intersection south to 6th Avenue, then proceeded east along 6th Avenue to Highway 169. From there, response agencies believe the involved truck continued southbound on Highway 169. Officials understand that the substance spread beyond the main path as vehicles initially drove through the material before the problem was identified.
On Wednesday night, after the spill was noted, KDOT, under the direction of KDHE, applied absorbent material to the roadway to help stop the spread of the material. As of today, EPA has mobilized a contractor to remove the substance and associated absorbent materials from the roadway and to properly dispose of them in accordance with environmental regulations.
Currently, there is no indication that the substance entered the wastewater system, nor is there any indication that air quality or drinking water have been affected. Out of an abundance of caution, response officials continue to actively monitor the wastewater and drinking water systems.
While investigators have obtained images from business security cameras along Maple Street, as well as reviewed camera footage along Highway 59 and Highway 169, the truck involved did not display any company name or identifying markings, and a license plate was not visible in the footage. At this time, officials have been unable to identify or contact the company or driver involved.
If you have any information on the vehicle involved in this incident, please contact Sarah Burkhart with Anderson County Emergency Management at 785-448-8584. Please monitor the Anderson County Emergency Management Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ANCOKSEM) for additional information and updates as the response continues.
Last night at approximately 6:00 p.m., a white box truck was observed leaking an unknown substance at the intersection of Maple Street and Park Road. The vehicle continued traveling south to 6th Avenue and then east to Highway 169.
City officials are actively working with county partners, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
There is no additional information to release at this time. Updates will be provided as more details become available. The public is encouraged to avoid the area and follow posted detours until the situation is resolved.
If you have any information regarding the truck or the substance involved, please contact Sarah with Emergency Management at 785-822-8584.
City officials are actively working with county partners, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
There is no additional information to release at this time. Updates will be provided as more details become available. The public is encouraged to avoid the area and follow posted detours until the situation is resolved.
If you have any information regarding the truck or the substance involved, please contact Sarah with Emergency Management at 785-822-8584.
Last night at approximately 6:00 p.m., a white box truck was observed leaking an unknown substance at the intersection of Maple Street and Park Road. The vehicle continued traveling south to 6th Avenue and then east to Highway 169.
City officials are actively working with county partners, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
There is no additional information to release at this time. Updates will be provided as more details become available. The public is encouraged to avoid the area and follow posted detours until the situation is resolved.
If you have any information regarding the truck or the substance involved, please contact Sarah with Emergency Management at 785-822-8584.
City officials are actively working with county partners, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
There is no additional information to release at this time. Updates will be provided as more details become available. The public is encouraged to avoid the area and follow posted detours until the situation is resolved.
If you have any information regarding the truck or the substance involved, please contact Sarah with Emergency Management at 785-822-8584.
We are experiencing power outages due to high winds at the 500 block of E. 1st, the 200 block of E. 7th, and 7th & Walnut. Crews are working to restore power, and appreciate your patience.
If you are experiencing a power outage, please contact City Hall at 785-448-5496.
If you are experiencing a power outage, please contact City Hall at 785-448-5496.
The North Lake Road guardrail repairs are complete and the road has reopened. Thank you for you patience while repairs were being made.
North Lake Road guardrail repairs are complete and the road is now open. Thank you for your patience while repairs were being made.
The Gas Department is currently repairing a line at 3rd Avenue and Olive Street. Temporary interruption of service in the area is possible. We appreciate your patience while repairs are being made, and will update you when we have more information.
There is a water leak at Park Road and Olive Street. Crews are working hard to repair the leak. Service will be interrupted for customers on the North side of Park Road between Cedar Street and Olive Street. We will keep you informed as to when repairs will be completed.
Holiday Trash Routes are posted at City Hall, and online on the city's website and social media, as well as links on the Community Calendar. Reminders will be posted throughout the holiday season. If you need a printed copy, City Hall staff will be happy to print a copy for you. Have a wonderful holiday season!
The City Gas/Water Department will be temporarily shutting water off on Lakeshore Dr. this afternoon at 1:15 p.m. for repairs to a water meter valve. We will keep you informed as to when repairs are complete
Voting and pancakes-a most excellent combination! On November 4, cast your vote, then head to the Garnett United Methodist Church and support Garnett Rotary Club. Get your tickets from a Rotary Member or just head over to the church between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. on election day.
The City of Garnett has NO ACTIVE SOLITORS at this time. (it is required by the City to obtain a solicitors permit prior to going door to door).
If you see a gentleman in a tie dye shirt, jeans, driving a blue vehicle with New York plates, claiming to be with ADT Security Systems, please contact the Garnett Police Department immediately.
If someone knocks on your door, please take their name and company name, then contact City Hall and leave that information. City Staff will be in contact with those companies. Thank you for your assistance with this matter. If you are uncomfortable with solicitors on your property, please contact the Garnett Police Department.
