Localized Precautionary Boil Orders
Commitment to Water Safety
The Village of Westchester Public Works Department is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality drinking water. In line with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) guidelines, we will issue precautionary boil orders when necessary, such as during low pressure following a water main break.
The Public Works Department issues three types of water utility notices to customers affected by work on the water system:
Types of Notices:
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Water Service Temporarily Stopped (Blue): Blue notices indicate temporary water service interruption due to system repair. If discoloration or air is present in the faucet, run cold water until clear. No further action is required.
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Precautionary Boil Order (Yellow): Yellow notices will be issued to customers when there has been a loss of pressure in the water system in their area, presumably following the repair of a water main break. The loss of pressure can allow the water system to become susceptible to outside materials. This notice is precautionary. It does not mean the water system contains outside materials, it only means that conditions existed that may have introduced outside materials into the system.
When customers receive a precautionary boil order notice, they are advised to boil tap water for at least five minutes before consuming, washing food or dishes, or brushing teeth. The precautionary boil order notice remains in effect until laboratory sampling confirms that there are no outside materials in the water and it is safe to consume without boiling. Laboratory sampling confirmation usually takes between 24 and 36 hours.
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Precautionary Boil Order No Longer Required (Green): Once laboratory results confirm the water contains no outside materials and is ready to consume without boiling, the Public Works Department will issue green notices to inform customers that the precautionary boil order has been lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a localized precautionary boil order? A localized precautionary boil order is meant to inform water customers in a specific area that conditions exist that may require them to boil tap water for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing food or dishes, or brushing teeth. While under a precautionary boil order, water customers are advised to use bottled water or tap water that has been brought to a rolling boil for five minutes and sufficiently cooled for these activities.
A precautionary boil order does not mean the water system contains outside material. It only means that there has been a loss of pressure that may have made it possible for outside materials to get into a part of the water system. The yellow notice advises you to take appropriate precautions until the Public Works Department has completed water quality testing and informed you that the precautionary boil order has been lifted.
Why is a localized precautionary boil order issued? A precautionary boil order is issued as a result of a water main break or maintenance activity that has caused a loss in water pressure that may have made it possible for outside materials to get into the water system. Not all water main repairs or maintenance causes a big enough drop in pressure to require this precaution—the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Rules and Regulations call for the issuance of a precautionary boil order when the pressure in a water main drops below 20 psi.
What is the difference between a precautionary boil order and a mandatory boil order? A Precautionary Boil Order is simply a public notice advising customers to boil tap water before consuming it. Precautionary Boil Orders are issued when an event, such as a water main break or maintenance activity, has caused a loss in water pressure below 20 psi in an area of the water system, therefore allowing for the possibility of the water to become susceptible to outside materials. A precautionary boil order does not mean that the water system contains outside material. It only means that due to the loss in pressure, it may have been possible for outside materials to get into the system. Until the water quality can be tested, customers are advised to take the appropriate precautions before using the water. Under these circumstances, the issuance of a Precautionary Boil Order is required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. A Mandatory Boil Order is issued if testing of the water system reveals contamination.
How will I know when a precautionary boil order is in effect? How will I know when it is lifted? You will be issued a YELLOW door tag labeled “Precautionary Boil Order in Effect”. A precautionary boil order notice will remain in effect until laboratory sampling confirms there are no outside materials in the water and it is safe to consume tap water without boiling. This testing typically takes 24-36 hours. The Village of Westchester Public Works Department will notify you when the boil order has been lifted by placing a GREEN door tag on your front door labeled “Precautionary Boil Order Lifted”. Once the precautionary boil order is lifted, you may return to the regular use of your water service.
Can I drink my water during a precautionary boil order? We do not recommend it. During a precautionary boil order, we recommend using bottled water or water that has been brought to a rolling boil for five minutes and then sufficiently cooled when consumed or used for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing food or dishes, or brushing teeth.
How long should I boil my water? Bring tap water to a rolling boil for five minutes and then allow for sufficient cooling before consuming.
Can my pets drink the water during a precautionary boil order? Since pets can get sick from many of the same germs as people or spread germs to people, we recommend taking the same precautions for serving water to pets as we do for people. Before providing tap water to pets, bring tap water to a rolling boil for five minutes and then allow for sufficient cooling. Alternately, you can provide your pet with bottled water.
Can I wash my hands with tap water during a precautionary boil order? During a precautionary boil order, the Cook County Department of Public Health recommends using bottled water or water that has been boiled for five minutes and then cooled for hand washing. When this is not practical, tap water can be used to wash and rinse, followed by the use of hand sanitizer.
Can I bathe in the water during a precautionary boil order? Yes, it is safe to shower or bathe in the water. We recommend making sure children do not put tap water in their mouth when they are bathing. When bathing infants, the Cook County Department of Public Health recommends extra precautions by bathing with either bottled water or water that has been brought to a rolling boil for five minutes and sufficiently cooled for use.
Is it safe to breastfeed after bathing in the water during a precautionary boil order? In order to provide assurance that the child will not ingest outside material that may be on the skin, cleaning the breast area with soap and bottled water or water boiled for 5 minutes and cooled prior to feeding.
Can I wash dishes during a precautionary boil order? Yes, but we recommend that you use bottled water or water that has been boiled for five minutes to wash and rinse dishes. Please note that dishwashers cannot be assured to completely remove material that may be in the water.
Can I wash clothes during a precautionary boil order? Yes, it is safe to wash clothes during a precautionary boil order. The precautionary boil order is only related to consuming tap water.
Do I need to flush out my water system following a precautionary boil order? No, you do not need to flush out your water system. We do recommend that you follow the instructions from the Public Works Department until the precautionary boil order is lifted.
For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at
(708) 345-0041.