Pipe break leads to boil order in Mundelein

Residents in a small subdivision near Mundelein on Tuesday were being told to boil their water as a precaution.

A broken pipe serving the Oak Terrace water system on Walnut Avenue south of Diamond Lake was discovered Monday night.

The polyethylene pipe was immediately repaired and the system flushed.

However, a water sample showed the presence of coliform bacteria that could make people sick, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

"It affects 15 homes," said Peter Kolb, Lake County public works director. "We're taking a second sample to make sure."

Results of that sample are expected Wednesday.

Until an all clear is given, residents should not drink the water without boiling it for 3 to 5 minutes and letting it cool before drinking it or using it to make ice, brush teeth, wash dishes or prepare food. Boiling kills the organisms.

The presence of coliform bacteria indicates the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste.

Kolb said the cause of the pipe break was being investigated. The Oak Terrace system is one of several small systems originally built to service a specific area and eventually absorbed by the county.