RAPIDS CITY, Ill. — Update July 22: The boil order has been lifted, and residents may return to normal water usage.
The Village of Rapids City Public Water Supply issued a precautionary boil order for residents on Seventh Avenue A, Seventh Avenue and all residents from Seventh Avenue A to Route 84 on 17th Street.
Residents in this area have had their water disabled. Once services are turned back on, residents should bring any water they use for drinking or cooking to a rolling boil for five minutes, as the water distribution system will be at risk of bacteria contamination until the all-clear is given.
All Rapids City residents are also asked to restrict their water consumption.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends residents in a town with a boil water advisory should either use bottled water or boil their tap water before use. This is because the water could have germs that can make people sick.
The CDC recommends the following:
- Use bottled or boiled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food.
- If bottled water isn't available, bring water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute. Let the water cool before using it.
- Boil tap water even it if is filtered.
- Don't use water from any appliance connected to your water line, like ice and water from a refrigerator.
- If you have a baby and are able to, breastfeeding will be the best option to feed your infant. If you use formula, provide ready-to-use formula if possible.
- You can still wash your hands with the water. Make sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, then rinse them well. You can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren't available.
- You can bathe in the water, but be careful not to swallow any of it. Use caution when bathing babies and young children.
- Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.
- Use disposable plates, cups and other eating utensils if possible.
- Pets can also get sick from some of the same germs. Give them bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
For more information, contact Village of Rapids City Staff at (309) 496-2321.