MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – The City of Mattoon has announced that it has lifted its ‘Do Not Drink’ order after detecting harmful algal bloom neurological toxin in its drinking water.

The do not drink order from July 15, which was reinstated following a short-lived lifting that began two days prior, was lifted after a series of tests indicated that harmful algal bloom neurological toxins in the drinking water was below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s advisory level.

ALSO READ: A timeline of Mattoon’s ‘Do Not Drink’ order amid harmful algal bloom detection

A Facebook post from the City of Mattoon detailed the following timeline of tests:

  • July 15: Collected samples showed harmful algal bloom neurological toxin in the water at 0.385 parts per billion (ppb), which is above the EPA’s recommended advisory level of 0.3 ppb.
  • July 16: Collected samples showed harmful algal bloom neurological toxin in the water at 0.215 ppb, below the EPA’s 0.3 ppb advisory level.
  • July 17: Collected samples showed harmful algal bloom neurological toxin in the water at 0.058 ppb, below the EPA’s 0.3 ppb advisory level.
  • July 18: Collected samples showed harmful algal bloom neurological toxin in the water at 0.1 ppb, below the EPA’s 0.3 ppb advisory level.

After three consecutive days of the water testing under the EPA’s advisory level of 0.30, the ‘Do Not Drink’ order has been lifted.

The city also revealed its measures it took to correct the issue:

  • Meeting with a consultant to recommend short-term and long-term solutions.
  • Increased the Powder-Activated Carbon (PAC) released into the water.
  • Increased chlorine feed rates.
  • Performed directional flushing of distribution system based on IEPA recommendations.
  • Developing long-term treatment options, including lake and plant treatment.

As for what residents of Mattoon can do, the city said that they should:

  • Resume using tap water for all uses
  • Flush all cold-water lines for five to 10 minutes.
  • Flush hot water lines separately for five to 10 minutes.
  • Discard all ice and replacing water filters, as advised by the IEPA.

Water distribution centers at Lytle Park and Arland D. Williams Elementary School will remain open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.