FAQs About City of Mattoon Water Situation

FAQs About City of Mattoon Water Situation

Q: What’s the issue with our water?
A: On Thursday, July 10th, the City was notified by IEPA that water contained trace amounts of microcystin (micro-sys-tin), a cyanotoxin (sigh-an-o-toxin) produced by a kind of cyanobacteria that is commonly called “blue-green algae.” While the City continually monitors the water quality, tests performed by the IEPA happen on a periodic basis and when deemed necessary. The water tested at a .35 parts per billion level and the advisory level for children preschool age and younger (under 6 years old), pregnant women and nursing mothers, individuals with pre existing liver conditions, individuals receiving dialysis treatment, elderly individuals, and individuals with compromised immune systems is .3 parts per billion level. The advisory level for children over 6, adults, and pets and livestock is 1.6 parts per billion of which the water is significantly below. Out of an abundance of precaution, the IEPA issued a DO NOT DRINK ORDER until further sampling and testing can be completed.

Q: How long will the DO NOT DRINK ORDER be in effect?

A: The timeline depends on test results from ongoing sampling. The IEPA is conducting additional testing, with the next results expected by 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12th. The City will update residents as soon as new information is available.

Q: How concerned should I be?

A: While a public health advisory has been issued, the issue of concern pertains to children under age 6 and those who are pregnant or nursing, receiving dialysis treatment, or have a compromised immune system, a pre-existing liver condition, or other sensitivity concerns. Further guidance may be found through the EPA’s 2015 Drinking Water Health Advisories for Two Cyanobacterial Toxins. The DO NOT DRINK Order provisions provided by the IEPA should be followed.

Q: What is the City doing about it?
A: The City of Mattoon has a water treat plant that uses Powder Activated Carbon (PAC) to remove a wide range of contaminants from the water supply, including taste and odor causing compounds, organic materials, and certain chemicals. EPA has deemed the PAC as particularly effective at adsorbing these substances due to its high surface area, which provides numerous binding particles for pollutants. Given the fndings and IEPA recommendations, we are aggressively treating the water and have adjusted the feed rate on the carbon. IEPA has taken another sample this morning, and results are expected by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. 

Furthermore, water will be distributed for drinking/cooking today, July 11th and tomorrow, July 12th at Lytle Park (Address: 3298 Cedar Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938).

Q: Is boiling the water safe or recommended?
A: Boiling water contaminated with microcystins may actually increase toxin concentration and should be avoided.

Q: What about using water for making baby formula or mixing medication?
A: You should use only bottled or approved safe water for preparing infant formula, mixing medications, or anything ingested.

Q: Can I wash my food with water?
A: IEPA’s DO NOT DRINK ORDER advises not to use the tap water for drinking and cooking until further notice. If food is being prepared for the public, all Coles County Health Department guidelines must still be followed and not use water out of an abundance of caution.

Q: What about washing dishes, utensils and food preparation areas?
A: IEPA’s DO NOT DRINK ORDER advises not to use the tap water for washing dishes and food preparation. All food preparation for the public must follow Coles County Health Department guidelines and still not use tap water for food preparation.

Q: What about bathing, showering and brushing my teeth?
A: Cyanotoxins do not easily enter the body through the skin. Showering and bathing with water is safe as long as you avoid swallowing the water. Brushing your teeth with tap water is not advisable per the DO NOT DRINK Order.

Supervise small children to ensure that they do not accidentally swallow the water. Refer to the EPA’s Harmful Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Q: What about general cleaning and laundry?
A: Very little water remains on washed surfaces and in laundered fabrics. Because these articles are not placed in the mouth, water can be used for general cleaning and washing of clothing, bedding and linens.

Q: What about my pets?
A: Cyanotoxins can be harmful to animals if they drink tap water contaminated with elevated levels of cyanotoxins. However, water toxin levels fell at .35 significantly below the advisory level for pets and livestock of 1.6. As such, water can be used for care of pets and
livestock. The Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance (HABS) Program has a brochure on animal health and cyanotoxins available online: Animal Safety Alert – Blue Green Algae Blooms (pdf).

Q: Can I irrigate or water my garden or crops?
A: Water can be used for irrigation as long as precautions are taken to make sure no children drink the irrigation water. Allow food crops to dry completely in sunlight before harvesting and eating it.

Q: Should I change the water filter on my refrigerator?
A: After the DO NOT DRINK order has been lifted, it is advisable to change the filter on your refrigerator.

Q: Where can I receive water if needed?
A: Water pickup is available at Lytle Park. Residents may pick up water at Lytle Park on Friday, July 11th from 5:30-10:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 12th from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. One twenty-four pack of water and one five-gallon bucket will be provided per family per day.

Q: What if I can’t pick up water myself? Is delivery available?
A: Yes. If you are homebound or without transportation, please fill out the Water Assistance Request Form.

Q: What if I want to get involved? Is there I way I can assist?
A: Yes, if you are interested in providing water assistance and volunteering, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form.

Q: Who can I contact with additional questions or concerns?
A: You can call the City of Mattoon at 217-234-2454. For health-related questions, contact the Coles County Health Department at 217-348-0530.

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References

DHS. Public Health Division. “Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance. Animal Safety Alert.”
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/HarmfulAlgaeBlooms/Documents/HAB-animal-safety.pdf. July 2010.

EPA. “Harmful Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins Frequently Asked Questions.”
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-11/documents/harmful_algal_blooms_and_cyanotoxins_frequently_asked_questions.pdf.

EPA. Fact Sheet: 2015 Drinking Water Health Advisories for Two Cyanobacterial Toxins.
2015. https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-healthadvisory-documents-cyanobacterial-toxins.

Ohio Public Health Department. Guidance During Drinking Water HAB Advisories.
https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/harmful-algal-blooms/habs-guidance-duringadvisories