MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Following water sample results from the IEPA, the water in Mattoon is still under a “do not drink” order.
According to Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss, in a release, the IEPA found that water tested on the morning of July 11 contained an algal bloom neurological toxin at a concentration of .314 parts per billion. This level shows a slight reduction from the previous result of .35 parts per billion yet remains above the advisory threshold for a “do not drink” order, which is set at .3 parts per billion.
Despite treatment efforts leading to reduced toxin levels, they still exceed the recommended safety limit. Therefore, the “do not drink” advisory remains in effect.
The City of Mattoon is currently obtaining additional samples for further investigation and sending them to the IEPA Springfield lab for more testing. The outcomes from these tests are anticipated by Sunday afternoon.
“The City has been and will continue its aggressive water treatment based upon the IEPA
recommendations,” part of the press release reads. “Please continue to follow all guidelines provided by the Coles County Health Department as outlined in the DO NOT DRINK order and the FAQs.”
Mattoon is continuing to provide residents with water until 8 p.m. on Saturday with their water distribution centers at Lytle Park and Williams Elementary School. This water will also be distributed tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at these locations.
Residents are able to bring their own buckets or containers for refill at the Lytle Park water distribution center location only. There is a five-gallon maximum, and all of these containers must have a lid.
