MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Mattoon officials have now lifted the “do not drink order” following Sunday’s test results, which confirmed the city’s water is safe for consumption. During the four-day period without tap water, residents came to appreciate not only modern convenience but also the strength of the community.
From Thursday to Sunday, the community had been forced to adjust to the temporary new normal.
“You just don’t think about the magnitude of water you use on a daily basis,” Susan Love said.
The “do not drink” order, in place until approximately 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, was based on samples taken Saturday that reported the algal bloom neurotoxin levels were below the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory limits.
Previously, a water test conducted by the IEPA on July 11 had detected the neurotoxin concentration at .314 parts per billion. Although this was a reduction from the .35 parts per billion found in earlier tests, it had exceeded the advisory threshold of .3 parts per billion, prompting the precautionary order.
“Not getting to get in the shower every night before you go to bed is kind of strange,” Love said. “And I’ve got dogs, I didn’t think about them at first.”
Community members said it was a big adjustment — not using dishwashers, sinks or showers.
“I cannot tell you how many times I’ve gone to wash my hands and I’m like, ‘No!’” Carolyn Cloyd said.
On Sunday, Cloyd was one of more than a dozen volunteers at Lytle Park passing our cases and a gallon jugs of water. She said it’s impossible to count up the amount they’ve handed out.
“You see all your neighbors and all these people out here wanting to help, I mean, is there anything better than that,” Cloyd said. “That’s what community is about.”
There was a steady stream of traffic as people eagerly stocked their cars.
“We came yesterday and we’re getting some more bottled water today,” James Hanken said. “That many volunteers, you just don’t have a few, and they got it down to almost a fine art for a spur of a moment thing.”
Beyond Mattoon, surrounding cities have also stepped up — offering showers and the chance to do laundry for those in need.
“When somebody’s in crisis, people will jump in in a heartbeat,” Love said.
Community members said while the past few days have been a struggle, it’s nothing they can’t work through together.
“It’s an inconvenience, but you look at what’s going on in Texas with all those people that have lost family members, this is nothing,” Cloyd said. “We can survive this.”
Now that the “do not drink” order has been lifted, Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss said there are a couple of things you should do before using tap water. This includes:
- Flushing all cold-water lines for 5–10 minutes
- Discarding all ice and replace water filters
- Flushing hot water lines separately for 5–10 minutes
