Boil Order Information

The Village of Flossmoor is committed to providing residents with high-quality, safe drinking water. Recently, the utility reviewed its procedures related to water main break response and testing due to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) increasingly more stringent interpretation of the regulations on the requirement surrounding precautionary boil orders. During this review, the Village became aware of the IEPA’s evolving stance and stricter enforcement on this issue. As such, we will issue precautionary boil orders when necessary.

Q: What does a boil order mean?

A: Boil orders are meant to inform customers that an incident caused the water system to become more susceptible to outside contaminants. A boil order does not mean that your water is confirmed to be contaminated. Instead, it means that because there is the possibility of contamination, you should take appropriate precautions until the Public Works Department has completed water quality testing.

Q: When and why are you issuing these?

A: The Public Works Department shut down a segment of a water main for an emergency repair to a broken pipe or other unplanned maintenance on the water distribution system. During that time, the water pressure in the pipes fell below 20 pounds per square inch and raised the possibility that outside bacteria or organisms could cause illness. This order gives you precautionary notice about your water because the Village is committed to providing high-quality, safe drinking water to all residents. Public Works will test the water once the main break is repaired to confirm if contamination has occurred. In the meantime, it is best to err on the side of caution.

Q: How will I know when a Boil Order is in effect?

A: Information will be provided to impacted properties through door hangers. The door hangers will include the time/date when the boil order will likely be lifted. They will be placed on the affected properties as soon as reasonably practical.

Q: How will I know when a Boil Order is lifted?

A: Impacted properties will receive a second door hanger in the same manner as the original notification.

Q: How long should I boil my water during a Boil Order?

A: Affected tap water should be brought to a rolling boil for five minutes before use.

Q: Can I drink my water during a Boil Order?

A: During a boil order, only bottled water or water that has been brought to a rolling boil for five minutes should be consumed or used for brushing teeth, cooking, washing dishes, making ice, or washing produce.

Q: Can I wash my hands with tap water during a Boil Order?

A: It is recommended that you use bottled water or tap water brought to a rolling boil for five minutes to wash your hands. If you cannot do this, it is recommended that you follow up using hand sanitizer if tap water is used to clean and rinse your hands

Q: Can I shower or take a bath in this water during a Boil Order? 

A: Yes, it is safe to shower or bathe in the water. We recommended making sure children do not put tap water in their mouths when they are bathing. When bathing infants, the Cook County Department of Public Health recommends extra precautions, such as bathing with either bottled water or water that has been brought to a rolling boil for 5 minutes and sufficiently cooled for use.

Q: Can I give tap water to my pets during a Boil Order?

A: Animals generally are not impacted in the same way as humans by contaminants in water. If you wish to take an abundance of precautions, you can provide your pet with bottled water or water that has been boiled for five minutes and cooled. Aquariums should not be impacted.

Q: What if I have any other questions?

A: For more information about boil orders and additional frequently asked questions, please view this FAQ from the Cook County Department of Public Health: https://cookcountypublichealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Cook-Co-Boil-Order-Procedure-FAQs.pdf or call Public Works at 708-957-4100, Mondays - Fridays from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.