Boil order lifted for Columbia, Waterloo

A boil order issued Thursday morning in both Columbia and Waterloo due to a 24-inch water line break in St. Clair County has been lifted.

Illinois American Water, which provides water service to the area, said the line break occurred in the area of Route 161 and Old Caseyville Road. This resulted in mandatory boil orders for Belleville, Swansea and Shiloh.

About 9 a.m. Thursday, Illinois American Water extended this boil order to the communities of Millstadt, Columbia and Waterloo until further notice.

Friday morning, Illinois American Water said crews have completed repairs to the water main break. City officials in both Columbia and Waterloo announced the boil order had ended about 2:30 p.m. Friday.

“Our customers were patient and understanding while our team completed critical repairs to the 24-inch water main,” said Karen Cooper, senior manager of field operations and production in the metro-east service area for Illinois American Water. “We appreciate their cooperation.”

Monroe County residents supplied by Fountain Water District were not affected by the boil order, according to Monroe County Emergency Management Agency Director Ryan Weber.

Local residents were advised to bring water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Water was still OK for bathing, washing and other common uses during the boil order.

It is standard procedure for a boil water order to be in effect for 36 to 48 hours after water service is restored.

 

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Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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