Lake Forest Under Boil Order: Major Water Main Break in Lake County
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS — A citywide boil order went into effect Friday afternoon after a major water main break on Westleigh Road caused a sharp drop in water pressure across Lake Forest, according to city and county health officials. The alert, issued at 4:09 p.m., remains in place as crews work to restore normal operations and ensure the system meets state safety standards.
Officials Issue Citywide Boil Advisory
The City of Lake Forest and the Lake County Health Department confirmed that residents should boil all water used for consumption for at least three minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing food.
Officials said water can still be used safely for laundry, cleaning, and other non-consumption purposes. However, they stressed that boiling or using bottled water is the only way to ensure it’s safe for personal use until further notice.
The advisory was issued after water pressure in several parts of the city fell below safe operating levels due to the main break, triggering automatic public safety protocols.
Repair Work and Testing Underway
City crews are currently working to repair the damaged main and restore full pressure throughout the system. Once repairs are complete, officials say the water will undergo laboratory testing to confirm that it meets all Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) safety standards before the boil order can be lifted.
City representatives thanked residents for their patience as crews work to resolve the issue quickly and emphasized that public health remains the top priority. Updates will be provided through official Lake Forest communication channels as soon as test results are confirmed.
What Residents Should Do in the Meantime
Residents are encouraged to continue boiling tap water before consumption or rely on bottled water for cooking and drinking. Local health officials also recommend running taps briefly after the order is lifted to flush out standing water from household pipes.
Businesses, schools, and food service establishments affected by the advisory are expected to follow state-mandated safety protocols until clearance is given. Authorities remind residents that boil orders are issued as a precautionary measure to protect against potential bacterial contamination that can occur when pressure drops in the water system.
The city has not yet provided an estimated timeline for full restoration, but officials say crews are working “as fast as possible” to return service to normal conditions.
Stay tuned to NapervilleLocal.com for verified updates on this developing Lake County story and other important Illinois community alerts.
Author: Avery Hughes Category: Naperville News & Weather Reporter
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