Aqua Illinois has released details on what caused the water supply issues in the Danville area. And the number of areas under an advisory boil order has increased.
A spokeswoman said the problem started on Friday. Due to rain, Aqua Illinois saw increased flow and organic matter in Lake Vermilion and the treatment facility. The rain was quickly followed by extremely cold temperatures, and the combination of turbid water and extreme cold created difficult treatment conditions. This severely strained the treatment facility and equipment and required Aqua to operate at lower production levels than normal to maintain water quality. Specifically, sections of the intake and parts of the softening/treatment tanks froze and were damaged.
The spokeswoman said water quality was never compromised but Aqua has been operating at lower flows than typical.
The number of areas under an advisory boil order has expanded to four areas. The areas include neighborhoods west of Lake Vermilion (including Denvale), the Winter Park and Holiday Hills areas, neighborhoods north of Boiling Springs Road, and areas south of Winter Street and east of Bowman Avenue, to the Indiana State Line. That includes the Eastgate area. Maps showing the areas can be found on the website aquawater.com. Customers in these areas should boil their water at least FIVE minutes before using, or use bottled water. They should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. If boiling water, bring it to a rolling boil, let it boil for five minutes, and let it cool before using.
Danville and Westville schools were closed today due to the water issues and harsh winter weather. Danville Area Community College, Danville City Hall and the Public Works building are also closed today due to the water situation. City employees are working remotely.
The Aqua official said the system is responding well to recent changes and reduced consumption, and now they’re working to build back reserves and increase pressure in the system. They are hopeful to have a resolution soon. Customers are urged to conserve water, using it only as necessary.
