Boil order in North Aurora

The village of North Aurora has issued a boil order for drinking water until noon Friday due to a drop in pressure in the village's water supply.

Village Administrator Sue McLaughlin said the village pumps turned off Wednesday night or early this Thursday. The water level in the tower dropped to near zero, causing a loss of pressure. The village is investigating the cause and having an outside laboratory test the water.

"We'll know by tomorrow," McLaughlin said Thursday. "If (the sample) comes clean, we'll lift the order."

Meantime, residents are encouraged to boil any tap water meant for drinking to kill potential contaminants until pressure can be restored.

The village has issued the following advice:

• Boil water vigorously for five minutes before use.

• Use only boiled water for drinking, diluting fruit juices, mixing infant formula, food preparation, and even for brushing teeth. Putting a cup over faucets will serve as a reminder not to drink untreated water.

• Water can also be disinfected for drinking or cooking rather than boiled. Add one teaspoon unscented chlorine laundry bleach per gallon of water. Let stand for 30 minutes before using. Be sure to use sanitized containers for storing water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and ice from a household automatic icemaker.

• Wash dishes in water that has been boiled or disinfected, and let the dishes air dry. Refrain from using automatic dish washers. Disposable tableware is also an option.

• The health department also recommends having a "sanitizing rinse" of treated water set aside to wash hands. Air dry or use a paper towel.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled, but children should be supervised so they don't ingest water. McLaughlin said the village notified the Elgin office of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Kane County Health Department.

According to Tom Schlueter, health department spokesman, pressure in the water lines keeps out contaminants. The health department are advising restaurants in North Aurora on testing their tap water.

Check back with dailyherald.com or the village's Web site at vil.north-aurora.il.us for updates, or call the village at (630) 897-8228 for details.