CAIRO, IL (KFVS) -
Illinois American Water has restored water service to customers in its Cairo District. But, a boil water order is in effect for customers in the Cairo service area due to a temporary interruption in water service.
Many reported little to no water pressure Sunday morning in Cairo due to water system problems and low Ohio River levels. Because of those water problems, there is no school on Monday.
According to Cairo School District 1, school was closed on Monday, October 15 due to the water shortage and boil water order in place.
School will be back in session on Tuesday, according to Superintendent Andrea Evers. The school will have bottled water available for all students and that water fountains are covered.
Cairo Mayor Tyrone Coleman says something went wrong with Illinois American Water's system intake valve on the Ohio River around 9:30 Saturday night.
"I would just like to ask everyone not to panic. Everything is going to be okay," said Mayor Coleman. "We just don't know how long we're going to be without water. But we're tapping into other resources."
Still residents are frustrated.
"It's disturbing because a lot of kids, a lot of people have children," said Barbara Sales of Cairo. "I have grandchildren. Then there are people with babies that have to use the water to make formula, and it's just disturbing."
Coleman says the city has lost water pressure to the point much of the city was without water on Sunday.
The mayor says divers have been in the river since early Sunday trying to find the problem. He says those in need of water should contact city hall. Any available water will be able to be picked up at the Cairo Fire Department.
Illinois American Water distributed bottled water at the Cairo Fire Department.
Cairo citizens needing water are encouraged to access this free water service, located at 1513 Washington Street in Cairo.
The city also called area retailers to donate water.
Illinois American Water asked its customers to limit water consumption to critical uses only like bathing, cooking and healthcare need during the shortage.
According to American Water, water to be used for drinking or cooking will need to be boiled prior to consumption. A rolling boil for five minutes is recommended.
Water officials say water is OK for bathing, washing and other common uses. The boil water advisory will be in effect until water quality samples confirm that the water is safe for consumption.
It is standard procedure as required by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for a boil water order to be in effect for 36 to 48 hours after water service is restored.
Customers will be notified when the boil water order is lifted. Customers may call Illinois American Water's 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-422-2782 for more information.
This boil water advisory is being issued in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
Illinois American Water say they are working diligently to restore water service to Cairo.
Illinois American Water Cairo District customers will receive notification of the situation through Illinois American Water's customer notification system which utilizes customer contact information to relay critical water service messages.
Illinois American Water is also working with city staff, emergency officials and local media to relay this information.
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Illinois American Water is the supplier for Cairo's water system (Source: Arnold Wyrick).
Water tankers from Peoria are on their way to the fire department (Source: Arnold Wyrick).
Residents were able to get donated water on Sunday (Source: Arnold Wyrick).
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