E. Coli Contamination In Plainfield Water: Village

PLAINFIELD, IL — E. coli bacteria was found in Plainfield’s water supply Wednesday, officials announced Friday. The village is placed under an emergency boil order until further notice.

Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis told Patch village staff sent a water sample for testing when they found the bacteria Wednesday. The positive results came back today, so residents were alerted of the situation.

Argoudelis said a company is coming out Saturday to investigate the source of the bacteria. The village’s water towers and ground storage tank will also be inspected this weekend.

“Our public works department takes great pride .. that we deliver great quality water to our residents … so it’s very disconcerting that we have to deal with something that we believe is beyond our control,” he said.

District 202 officials sent an alert out Friday afternoon that school may be canceled Monday as a result.

Residents are asked not to drink water without first boiling it for three to five minutes, which kills the bacteria in the water. Officials said this should be done with drinking water, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation.

The boil order will last until two sets of 40 bacteria samples are “determined satisfactory,” according to a news release from the village.

The bacteria is particularly harmful for people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of the sickness include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches.

The contamination can occur when an increase of run-off, including from heavy rain, enters the drinking water supply. It can also happen from a break in the pipe distribution system, officials said in the release.

“We’re moving as quickly as we possibly can,” Argoudelis said.

Additional information can be found by calling Allen Persons at 815-436-3577. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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