Boil Order Issued in Southwest Suburban Minooka

The southwestern suburb of Minooka is under a boil order, according to the city's website. 

E. coli bacteria and total coliform bacteria were found in the water supply on Friday, officials confirmed, indicating that the water may be contaminated with human waste. All Minooka residents are warned to not drink the water without boiling it first. 

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice, according to a statement from the city. 

Drinking contaminated water could make people sick, particularly young children, the elderly, and those with already weakened immune systems. Short-term symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, and more. 

If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, authorities ask that they seek medical attention. 

Contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the water source, or if there is a break in the pipes or failure in the treatment process, officials said. System wide assessments and re-sampling are being completed, and residents will be informed when tests show no bacteria are present. 

Authorities said they expect to have results of the most recent analysis by late Sunday afternoon, but did not give an estimate for when the boil order would be lifted. 

For more information, Minooka residents are asked ot contact Ryan Anderson at 815-467-8868 ext. 2303. 

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