Monmouth issues boil order after well issues

A boil order has been issued for the entire city of Monmouth after issues left city wells out of service.

The City of Monmouth Public Works Department said in a news release that it has issued a boil water order for the entire city, effective at 10 a.m. today, August 31. All municipal water customers must boil tap water before using it for drinking or food preparation until laboratory results meet Illinois EPA and federal drinking water standards. The order is expected to remain in effect until Wednesday, September 2.

A ground lightning strike on August 13 placed wells 4 and 5 out of service, leaving well 8 as the only supply source for the south water treatment plant. Well 8’s submersible motor failed on August 30. Well 5 had already been structurally repaired and had been undergoing service testing following a regulatory timeline. Crews are now putting the well into full service on an accelerated schedule.

State rules require a boil order and bacteriological sampling when a well is brought online this way. Until residents are advised otherwise, they must boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, preparing infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables and food preparation. Bring water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute and let it cool before use. Home filters do not replace the need for boiling. Store cooled water in clean, covered containers.

Click here for more on what to do during a boil order.

City crews are collecting samples for laboratory testing. The order stays in effect until test results meet Illinois EPA requirements.

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