Mattoon, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The City of Mattoon is once again under a ‘do not drink’ order due to elevated levels of al algal bloom in the water.
From the City of Mattoon, IL Municipality Facebook page:
Date: 7/15/2025
UNSAFE WATER ALERT
- City of Mattoon water is again possibly contaminated with (Microcystin) a Harmful Algal Bloom
DO NOT DRINK YOUR WATER
- Failure to follow this advisory could result in illness.
A DO NOT DRINK ORDER is being reissued because a harmful algal bloom neurological toxin was found at 0.38 parts per billion level and the advisory level for a DO NOT DRINK order is 0.3 parts per billion. The Coles County Health Department, and City of Mattoon Water Treatment Plant are advising residents of the City of Mattoon Water Treatment Plant to NOT USE THE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING AND COOKING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
What should I do?
- DO NOT DRINK YOUR TAP WATER—USE ONLY BOTTLED WATER. Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation until further notice.
- DO NOT TRY AND TREAT THE WATER YOURSELF. Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe. The Water Treatment personnel will be maximizing the treatment for this contaminant.
We are waiting for further instruction from the IEPA. We will inform you when tests show that the water is safe once again.
Timeline: We are testing daily and we are unsure when this will be rescinded.
For more information call:
- Water Utility contact: Water Plant – 217-234-2454
- Local County Health Department: 217-348-0530
This notice is being sent to you by Facility # City of Mattoon, System ID #. IL0290250 Date Distributed: 7/15/2025
Please share this information with all other people who receive this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand.
There was also a statement provided by the Mattoon Bagelfest Facebook page regarding water usage at the festival:
We understand the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing water situation in Mattoon. In light of recent developments, we want to share some important information and offer reassurance about safety measures in place for Bagelfest.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Food Vendors: No food vendor at Bagelfest will be using Mattoon city water for any purpose — including food prep, drinks, or handwashing. All water used by vendors is being safely outsourced, including any ice used.
2. Public Handwashing Stations: All handwashing stations throughout the park are being supplied with non-Mattoon water. Most are provided by Harrelson Plumbing, who have confirmed their water source is Clear Water. While the current notice has only warned against drinking we are taking steps to ensure all water being used here in the park is 100% safe
3. Bagels from the Factory: Bagels provided by BIMBO Bakery are completely safe to eat. BIMBO has gone above and beyond to outsource safe water in large tanks for production.
This is a constantly evolving situation, and like all of you, we are adjusting in real time. We began planning for this the moment the first advisory was issued last Friday. Our goal remains clear: keep Bagelfest safe, fun, and running smoothly.
We are incredibly grateful and proud for the love, patience, and support this community continues to show one another.
Our incredible Parks Department staff, volunteers, and team members are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this year’s Bagelfest both enjoyable and safe for everyone.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your support.
It is unclear when the water will be safe for consumption, but it is being tested daily by the IEPA. We will continue to provide updates as more information is released.
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