Riley County Health Department

Riley County Maternal Child Health staff and collaborating partners at Delivering Change in Geary County had a productive few days of learning and networking at the Governor’s Public Health Conference.

3/25/2026 STREAM ADVISORY RESCINDED

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded its stream advisory for the Tuttle Creek Cove on the Tuttle Creek Lake, as conditions have been evaluated and contact with the water has been deemed safe.

The stream advisory was due to the release of diesel fuel from a tank on a commercial barge that became submerged in Tuttle Creek Lake on March 15. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 and KDHE performed comprehensive water quality sampling, and a monitoring plan will continue.

Water quality samples collected by KDHE and USACE have shown no fuel-related contaminants above drinking water standards. These samples were taken from both the spill location in the cove and downstream at the confluence of the Big Blue and Kansas Rivers. Water quality testing will continue downstream to monitor releases from Tuttle Creek Lake.

Stream Advisory Rescinded for Tuttle Creek Cove on Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan, Kansas • KDHE, KS Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded its stream advisory for the Tuttle Creek Cove on the Tuttle Creek Lake, as conditions have been evaluated and contact with the water has been deemed safe.

Join us for a free Childbirth Breathing & Positions Class, taught by an experienced Labor & Delivery Nurse from Via Christi. Learn practical breathing techniques, comfort measures, and labor positions that can help you feel more in control and supported during birth.

April 2 starting at 5:30pm at the Family and Child Resource Center, 2101 Claflin. Contact Maternal & Child Health at (785)776-4779 x7664 today to register!

3/25/2026 UPDATE: STREAM ADVISORY RESCINDED

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded its stream advisory for the Tuttle Creek Cove on the Tuttle Creek Lake, as conditions have been evaluated and contact with the water has been deemed safe.

The stream advisory was due to the release of diesel fuel from a tank on a commercial barge that became submerged in Tuttle Creek Lake on March 15. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 and KDHE performed comprehensive water quality sampling, and a monitoring plan will continue.

Water quality samples collected by KDHE and USACE have shown no fuel-related contaminants above drinking water standards. These samples were taken from both the spill location in the cove and downstream at the confluence of the Big Blue and Kansas Rivers. Water quality testing will continue downstream to monitor releases from Tuttle Creek Lake.

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3/18/2026 KDHE ISSUES STREAM ADVISORY FOR TUTTLE CREEK COVE

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Tuttle Creek Cove on the Tuttle Creek Lake.

The issuance of the stream advisory results from the release of diesel fuel from a tank on a commercial barge. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 and KDHE are assessing the extent of the spill to maintain minimal impact on the affected area.

The public are advised to avoid the cove until recovery and remediation efforts are concluded.

KDHE will rescind the advisory once conditions have been evaluated and contact with the water has been deemed safe

Stream Advisory Issued for the Tuttle Creek Cove on the Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan, Kansas • KDHE, KS Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Tuttle Creek Cove on the Tuttle Creek Lake.

Reminder: Two sections of the Riley County Health Department will be closed for staff training this week. The Public Health Clinic (2030 Tecumseh Road) and Maternal and Child Health division (2101 Claflin Rd) will be temporarily closed March 11, 12, and 13.

These departments will open again for regular hours starting Monday, March 16.

All other divisions including Admin, Raising Riley, and WIC will remain open during this time.

Thank you for your patience.

Riley County Health Department staff with Raising Riley and Child Care Licensing attended the Early Childhood Advocacy Day in Topeka. We spoke with Senator Brad Starnes and Representative Sydney Carlin regarding early childhood issues in Riley County.