Village-Wide Precautionary Water Boil Order Issued For Glencoe

UPDATE: The boil order was lifted at 4 p.m. June 20, based on results of follow-up testing of the Village’s water system. According to the Village of Glencoe, water is safe for drinking and all water customers may resume normal use of village water for all purposes.

GLENCOE, IL — The Village of Glencoe issued a precautionary boil order as a result of a water main break Monday afternoon, citing state guidelines and an abundance of caution.

The order was scheduled to remain in effect for 24 hours, according to an announcement from the Village.

Until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Glencoe residents can continue to use water, but village officials said any drinking water or water used for food preparation should be boiled for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to use.

Glencoe issued the following questions and answers about the emergency boil order Monday evening:

Why was a precautionary boil order issued?

The cause of the precautionary boil order related to a drop in pressure in the Village’s water system
following a water main break that occurred this afternoon near the storm water improvement project
currently underway near the intersection of Park Avenue and Bluff Street. The boil order in this case is
precautionary and does not mean that the water has tested positive for microbiological
contamination. Illinois EPA rules and regulations call for the issuance of a precautionary boil order for
any emergency water main break in which water pressures fall below 20 pounds per square inch.

While the system is now operating at normal pressure, the issuance of this precautionary boil order
was necessary because of the drop in pressure during the water main break and will remain in place
until final testing can be completed (expected to be within 24 to 48 hours).

What does a boil order mean?

It means the water that comes out of the tap should not be used for drinking, brushing your teeth,
cooking or washing food. You should use only bottled water or water that has been boiled for five
minutes for these activities.

How long should I boil my water?

The affected tap water should be brought to a rolling boil for five minutes before being used.

How long will the boil order remain in effect?

24-hours is the protocol established by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). If at any
time there is cause to extend the boil order, the public will be notified accordingly. The Village will
notify the public once the current precautionary boil order has been lifted.

Can I wash my hands, bathe or shower?

Yes you may shower, wash your hands or bathe in the water without boiling it. The primary concern is
that non- boiled water should not be consumed during a precautionary boil order. When bathing
infants or those with open wounds, extra precaution should be taken.

Can I wash my dishes?

Residential dishwashers may be used to clean dishes. If hand washing dishes, use a solution of 8 drops
of bleach per one gallon of water, or use bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes to
wash and rinse dishes.

Can I wash my clothes?

Yes, you may continue to wash clothes.

Can my pets drink the water?

Animals generally are not affected in the same way as people by contaminants in the water. An
individual may give their pet bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes and cooled if
they choose. Fish tanks should not be affected.

What if I drank water prior to the precautionary boil order being issued?

Because this is a precautionary boil order, the threat of any contamination is very low. In the event
you consumed water prior to the notification of the precautionary boil order, the risk of any side
effects are also low. Monitor your health, and in the event that you feel ill, contact your health care
provider. Follow the above recommendations about using your water until the precautionary boil
order is lifted.

Any questions can be forwarded to (847) 835-4111. We apologize for any inconvenience.
More information will be provided as it comes available

» via the Village of Glencoe