Illinois American Water issues boil water order for Cairo customers

CAIRO, Ill. (KBSI) – All water customers of Illinois American Water in Cairo are under a boil water order after a water main break at the water treatment plant Tuesday afternoon.

Illinois American Water issued a boil water order on Tuesday, September 5.

Cairo District customers should receive a phone call from Illinois American Water to notify them of the boil water order that started Tuesday evening.

During the boil water order, customers should bring their water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Water is okay for bathing, washing and other common uses.

A boil water order is being issued in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) in any part of a community’s distribution system, a boil water order must be issued, according to Illinois American Water.

A boil water order was lifted Sunday, September 3 in the Cairo District due to planned maintenance work at the water treatment plant which was completed.

Customers will receive a phone call from Illinois American Water after tests confirm water meets all regulated quality standards when the boil water order is lifted.