Water main break shuts down schools, creates boil order | Courtesy of Shutterstock
Water main break shuts down schools, creates boil order | Courtesy of Shutterstock
A boil order is now in effect for the Metro East’s Belleville, Swansea, Millstadt, Columbia, Waterloo and Shiloh after a 24-inch water main break caused school districts to close and hospitals to follow emergency procedures.
The water supply is expected to be functional again shortly, but residents are advised to exercise caution for the next 36 to 48 hours regardless for their protection. Residents should boil their water for five full minutes before using.
Classes have been cancelled in the Belleville School District, Whiteside School District, Harmony Emge District and High Mount District, according to FOX-2 in St. Louis.
Memorial Hospital’s Belleville facility has postponed all on-site surgeries for today and is redirecting incoming patients to the new Memorial Hospital located in Shiloh, stated the news station.
Hospital staff is in the process of reassessing cases for reassignment of some procedures to Shiloh, and “bottled water is being served,” according to FOX News.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) regulations require that a boil order be implemented when water pressure drops below a certain level (20 pounds per square inch). According to Illinois American Water, tap water in affected communities is still considered safe for bathing and washing.
More information is available online or by calling 800-565-7292.
“Water emergencies don’t keep business hours,” the utility stated on its website.
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