Workers distribute bottled water to residents in Wonder Lake this week after a boil order went into effect due to coliform bacteria being detected in the village’s water system. | Provided Photo

A boil order remains in place for residents on the west side of Wonder Lake nearly a week after coliform bacteria was discovered in the water system.

The Village of Wonder Lake announced Monday afternoon that a boil order went into effect immediately at 2:30 p.m. for the west side of Wonder Lake.

“Do not drink the water without boiling it first,” the village said in a statement.

Residents were recommended to bring all water to a boil for at least three minutes and let it cool or use bottled water.

Boiled or bottled water was recommended to be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.

Total coliform bacteria was detected in a pipe of the water distribution system, the village said.

The village learned last weekend that the coliform bacteria was present in at least one of their routine samples collected.

[Suggested Article]  Wonder Lake convicted felon charged with selling fully automatic AR-15 to alleged Cary drug dealer

“As required by the Revised Total Coliform Rule, one of our follow-up steps was to collect repeat samples at and near the location where the positive sample was originally taken,” the village said.

The village learned on Sunday that the bacteria was also present in at least one of their repeat samples collected Sunday.

“We are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination,” the statement said.

The village said they have solidified their disinfectant process by increasing the disinfectant and taking field samples confirming disinfection. Crews have also flushed one of the wells used.

Village officials said in an update Saturday afternoon that the boil order remains in effect.

Test results returned showed all distribution points of the water system were negative for the bacteria but one of the village’s wells came back positive.

[Suggested Article]  13 years in prison for Prairie Grove man found with 32 pounds of cannabis, child sexual abuse material

“To address this immediately, Meadows of West Bay will begin servicing from well number four today as its test came back clean on both 7/25 and 7/26,” the village said.

“Provided that test taken today comes back clean across the distribution system tomorrow and we are running on well 4, the boil order may be able to be lifted Sunday afternoon with permission from the IEPA,” the village added.

Bottled water has been distributed to residents throughout the week. Water pickup is from 12-4 p.m. Saturday at 4200 Thompson Road.