Boil order in effect for village of Plainfield until further notice

The village of Plainfield issued a boil order Friday because its water supply is contaminated with E. coli.

This means human or animal waste may be contaminating the water. E. coli can cause cramps, diarrhea, headaches or nausea. Infants, young children and anyone with a severely compromised immune system are especially at risk for becoming severely ill.

The bacteria was found in the water Wednesday. A break in the pipes, a failure in the process of treating the water, a cross-connection or increased run-off getting into the water source after a heavy rain are possible causes of bacterial contamination, according to a news release from the village

The village’s water supplier, Illinois American Water, was notified. This weekend, all Plainfield water towers, as well as the ground storage tank, will be inspected. Hydrants will be flushed, and the water will be sampled extensively, the release said.

In the meantime, do not drink the water without boiling it first to kill the bacteria. This means bringing the water to a boil, let it continue boiling for three to five minutes and then letting it cool before using, the release said.

Any water used for drinking, in food preparation, making ice, washing dishes or brushing teeth must be boiled until further notice. Otherwise, use bottled water only.

This boil order remains in place until two sets of 40 water samples are determined satisfactory.

Additional guidelines are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

For more information, contact Allen Persons at 815-436-3577 or 14400 S. Coil Plus Drive, Plainfield, Illinois, 60544.