Northbrook Boil Order Lifted After Construction Mishap

NORTHBROOK, IL — Village officials warned residents not to drink the water Tuesday after a contractor damaged a water main and caused water pressure to drop throughout Northbrook around 9:45 a.m. The order remained in effect Wednesday until village officials received results of tests of water samples, which was expected by the evening.

UPDATE: The precautionary boil order was lifted around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday after all of the samples were tested and found to be safe.

All water customers must boil any water used for cooking or drinking for at least five minutes, according to the statement from Madeline Farrell of the village manager's office. The village's water is safe for all non-consumption uses, it said.

The pressure drop was caused by Illinois Department of Transportation contractor who damaged a 24-inch water main while directionally boring at Dundee and Lee roads, according to Public Works Director Kelly Hamill.

Farrell's statement said water pressure "although low, is being restored throughout the village."

Students at local schools were cautioned against drinking from fountains or using tap water for washing. Students at District 30 schools and Glenbrook North High School were provided complimentary bottled water, according to district officials.

According to Hamill, the water is safe for washing clothes or bathing as long as people take care not to ingest the water. Village representatives are collecting samples of water to ensure its safety before the precautionary boil order is lifted.