Officials announced that a boil order has been lifted for residents on the west side of Wonder Lake 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.
“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 last Sunday that the bacteria was also present in at least one of their repeat samples collected.
“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.
On Saturday, 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.
“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.
Village officials said in an update Sunday afternoon that the boil order had been lifted, just under a week after it went into effect.
The village president was contacted by Robinson Engineering after tests, including wells and the distribution system, came back clear.
Signs about the boil order are being removed by Robinson Engineering.
Residents are recommended to flush their plumbing system by running all cold water faucets one at a time for at least five minutes each. “This helps remove any potentially contaminated water from your pipes.”
Water filters should be replaced after flushing and water softeners should be run through a regeneration cycle.
Ice from ice makers should be dumped and water heaters should also be flushed. No action is needed for toilets.
“By taking these steps, you can help ensure your home’s water system is clean and safe after the boil order is lifted,” the village said.
Officials said water test results received this coming week will help inform the village of any additional steps needed.
The village board is expected to discuss possible credits for residents’ water bills during its first meeting in August.