MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Mattoon has issued a second “do not drink” order, just two days after a previous order was lifted.
On Tuesday night at 9:10 p.m., Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss announced that the order was reinstated because the neurotoxin from a harmful algal bloom was detected at a concentration of 0.38 parts per billion. The threshold for a “do not drink” advisory is set at 0.3 parts per billion.
Both the Coles County Health Department and the City of Mattoon Water Treatment Plant advised residents to refrain from using tap water for drinking and cooking until further instructions are provided.
Hilligoss said at this time, there are certain steps that residents should follow. This includes:
- Only using bottled water
- This includes for drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and preparing food
- Do not treat the water yourself
- Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe
“We are awaiting further guidance from the IEPA. We will notify you when tests confirm the water’s safety again,” Hilligoss stated in a release sent to WCIA.
Hilligoss added that the city is testing daily, but they are unsure when the order will be rescinded. He also asked residents to share this information with others who might not have received notice directly — like people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses.
This is a developing story
