All BMWC Madison County Water Customers will be on a boil order until further notice (Possibly to be lifted around noon time on Thursday June 12th). An automated phone call, email, website and Facebook will be used to notify customers when boil order is lifted.
In Illinois, boil orders are typically issued for a minimum of 24 hours, or until water samples demonstrate the water is safe for consumption or until IEPA-approved corrective actions are taken. These orders are usually triggered by an interruption in water flow due to a water main break or other issues that may compromise water quality.
Boil Order Requirements:
· Duration:
A boil order remains in effect until water samples demonstrate the water is safe, or IEPA-approved corrective actions are taken.
· Notification:
The Illinois EPA notifies relevant parties, including local city offices, health departments, and the IEPA office in Collinsville.
· Water Use:
During a boil order, bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking, and other activities where water is ingested.
· Boiling:
If bottled water is unavailable, water can be boiled for 5 minutes to make it safe for drinking.
· After Boil Order Lifted:
Residents should flush all water lines and clean and sanitize any equipment connected to the water supply after the boil order is lifted.
- If I’m under a boil order, how long should I boil my water?
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Bring tap water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes before using it.
Operating Under a Boil Order
- 1.What does a “boil order” mean?
- Boil orders are typically issued when the water system loses pressure. During a boil order, the water from your tap should not be used for drinking, brushing your teeth, cooking or washing fruits and vegetables. Use bottled water for these activities.
- 2.If I’m under a boil order, how long should I boil my water?
- Bring tap water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes before using it.
- 3.Why are boil orders called?
- It means the drinking water system either lost pressure or the pressure dropped below 20 psi. Illinois EPA mandates water used for consumption (e.g., drinking, cooking/preparing food, etc.) should be boiled before use for a minimum of 24 hours after the water has been restored. Testing is needed to verify the drinking water system has not been compromised during the drop in pressure. Illinois EPA mandates boil orders be imposed for a minimum of 24 hours starting when repairs are completed.
- 4.Can I drink the water?
- No. During a boil order, use bottled water or water that has been boiled for 3-5 minutes for drinking, general consumption, washing dishes, cleaning fruits/vegetables, making ice cubes or brushing your teeth.
- 5.Can I wash my hands?
- It’s recommended to use bottled water or water boiled for 3-5 for hand washing when boil orders are issued. When this is not practical and tap water must be used to wash/rinse hands, follow up with a hand sanitizer. Consuming unsafe water is the most likely way to become ill. Using extra precautions such as hand sanitizer when hand washing ensures hands are clean.
- 6.Can I shower or take a bath?
- Yes, it is safe to shower or take a bath. However, this water should not be consumed.
Instruct children to not drink water or put it in their mouths when bathing. When bathing infants, take extra precautions such as using bottled water or water boiled for 3-5 minutes (and cooled prior to use).
- 7.How do I wash my dishes?
- Use bottled water or water boiled for 3-5 minutes to wash and rinse dishes. (Do not assume dishwashers will completely kill organisms that may be in the water.)
- 8.Can I wash clothes?
- Yes. You can continue to use the water to wash clothes. The major concern with boil orders is not consuming the water.
- 9.Can my pets drink the water?
- Animals generally are not affected the same way as people by water contaminants. However, you may wish to give pets bottled water or water boiled for 3-5 minutes (and then cooled).
- 10.Is it safe to breast feed during the boil order after bathing in the water?
- Yes. Prior to feeding, for extra assurance your child will not ingest contaminants that may be on the skin, clean the breast area with soap and bottled water or water boiled for 3-5 minutes (and then cooled).
- 11.Are vending machines that mix drinks safe? (e.g., coffee, tea & hot chocolate machines)
- Do not use machines that use tap water until the boil order has been lifted.
- 12.What happens if you drink contaminated water?
- Anyone ingesting contaminated water may become ill. Infants, young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk of illness.
- 13.What are the symptoms of water-borne illness?
- Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and possible jaundice and associated headaches and fatigue. Symptoms may appear as early as a few hours to several days after infection and may last more than two weeks. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water; they may also be caused by several other factors. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are experiencing these.
- 14.How long will the boil order remain in effect?
- The boil order remains in effect until laboratory sampling confirms the water quality has not been compromised. Notification will be issued as soon as a boil order is lifted.
