About 300 Elgin Residents Affected by Boil Advisory
UDATED 3:30PM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016
The city of Elgin alerted residents in the area of South McLean Boulevard on Monday to boil their water until further notice following a water main break in the area.
The city posted on its Facebook page Monday, March 21, that the water main break necessitated a water shutoff that was impacting the area surrounding South McLean Boulevard from Route 20 to Spartan Drive. As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, a water boil was still in effect, according to the city’s website, but the post was taken down by Wednesday afternoon.
Here’s the information that was posted, which offers good advice for any Kane County resident who might be affected by a water boil advisory at a future date:
Boil Advisory impacting 300 residents — What does it mean? Who is affected? What to do?
WHAT IS A BOIL WATER ADVISORY?
Boil water advisory is a public statement advising customers to boil tap water before consuming it. Advisories are issued when an event has occurred allowing the possibility for the water distribution system to become contaminated. An advisory does not mean that the water is contaminated, but rather the possibility exists.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Approximately 300 residents in the area surrounding S. McLean Blvd. from Route 20 to Spartan Dr.
HOW DO I BOIL MY WATER SO THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRINK?
Bring water to a FULL ROLLING BOIL for 3 MINUTES, then allow the water to COOL BEFORE USE. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead. Make up a batch of boiled water in advance so you will not be tempted to use it hot and risk scalds or burns. Boiled water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Here’s an easy way to remember…ROLL for ONE then COOL.
CAN I USE MY WATER FOR COOKING?
No, any water used for food preparation or cooking needs to be from an acceptable alternate source or boiled first.
HOW SHOULD I WASH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AND MAKE ICE?
Fruits, vegetables, and any other foods that will not be cooked should be washed and rinsed with boiled (and then cooled) water or water from an acceptable alternate source. Similarly, ice should be made with either boiled water or water from an acceptable alternate source.
CAN I BRUSH MY TEETH WITH THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT?
No. Any water you ingest or place in your mouth should be disinfected by boiling (and then cooled) or come from an alternate source. Bottled water is excellent for brushing your teeth.
HOW LONG IS THE BOIL ADVISORY IN EFFECT?
Boil until further notice. Lifting the boil advisory will depend on water test results.
SOURCE: City of Elgin website
