Boil order issued for 1.5 million Metro East homes

boil order

(KMOX) — Much of the Metro East, from Scott Air Force Base to Millstadt, is under a boil order until at least midday Thursday.

According to Illinois American Water, a contractor working at the company’s Metro East water treatment plant near East St. Louis hit a 24-inch water main, causing a drop in water pressure.

A company spokesperson Terry Mackin said there is no evidence of contamination, but EPA regulations require a boil order be issued anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of a community’s distribution system.

About 1.5 million customers are affected, according to Mackin.

Customers in the affected area should bring their water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes before using for drinking or cooking. Water is OK for bathing, washing and other common uses.

The boil water order is in effect for the following communities directly served by Illinois American Water:
  • Belleville
  • East St. Louis
  • Centreville
  • Brooklyn
  • Fairmont City
  • Sauget
  • Shiloh
  • Washington Park
  • Alorton
  • Cahokia (from Commonfields of Cahokia PWD)
  • Swansea
  • Canteen Township
  • St. Clair Township
  • Stookey Township
  • Smithton Township

The following sale-for-resale (wholesale) communities are also affected. The communities are responsible for notifying their customers-residents regarding the boil order:

  • Scott Air Force Base
  • O’Fallon (Also provides water to Fairview Heights)
  • Caseyville
  • Millstadt
  • Commonfields of Cahokia Public Water District
  • Columbia
  • Waterloo
  • Concordia Water District

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