MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – It’s been five days since the Coles County Health Department first issued a “Do Not Drink” for the entire city of Mattoon due to trace amounts of potentially toxic materials found in the city’s water. Since then, the advisory has been lifted and then quickly reinstated.

The following is a timeline aimed at providing an overview of the events that took place:

Thursday, July 10: Microcystin found in water, leading to ‘Do Not Drink’ order

On July 10, the city of Mattoon was notified by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) that trace amounts of microcystin, a type of cyanotoxin, was found in the city’s water.

Symptoms of microcystin exposure/poisoning include: Rash, hives, or skin blisters (especially on the lips and under swimsuits). Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, and fever. It can also cause liver damage that could lead to death in dogs and livestock.

It is produced by a kind of cyanobacteria that is commonly called “blue-green algae”. The water tested at 0.35 parts per billion, which above the advisory level for children ages six and younger, pregnant women and nursing mothers, individuals with preexisting liver conditions, individuals receiving dialysis treatment, elderly individuals, and individuals with compromised immune system (0.3 parts per billion). The advisory level for children over six, adults, pets, and livestock is 1.6 parts per billion.

A statement from the city said that the IEPA issued a ‘Do Not Drink’ order as a precaution until further sampling and testing could be completed. The next test was scheduled to be on July 12.

Along with the order, it was advised that citizens of Mattoon should not brush their teeth with the water, but that showering and bathing is safe as long as you avoid swallowing the water. Cooking and washing food with water was also advised against. Boiling the water could also result in an increase in toxic concentration.

Friday, July 11: Water pickup spots open

The city’s first water pickup spot opened at Lytle Park. Residents could pick up water from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A 24-pack of bottled water and one five-gallon bucket would be provided per family per day.

Sunday, July 13: ‘Do Not Drink’ order lifted

As reported by Chambana Today, Mattoon lifted its ‘Do Not Drink’ order on Sunday after city officials announced that the most recent tests showed levels of the algal bloom neurotoxin dropping below the unsafe threshold for consumption.

The samples collected on Saturday, July 12 indicated a toxin level of 0.252 parts per billion, below the 0.3 threshold that called for the July 10 ‘Do Not Drink’ order.

Tuesday, July 15: ‘Do Not Drink’ order reissued

On Tuesday, Mattoon officials reinstated the ‘Do Not Drink’ order after the harmful algal bloom neurological toxin was found at 0.38 parts per billion.

The city gave out the same warnings to not drink the water and to only use bottled water for consumption. An additional warning to not treat the water was given out, emphasizing that boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting the water stand would not make it safe for consumption.

Wednesday, July 16: Update to water conditions

On Wednesday, the city advised residents that water conditions were expected to continue for the next 3 to 4 days, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Mattoon Water Department to Chambana Today.

Per the IEPA’s guidance, two consecutive safe test results are required before lifting the advisory, which raises questions on the reasoning for the order to be lifted on July 13.

Expanded coverage for water distribution began on Wednesday, with the Lytle Park location continuing as a water distribution center. In addition, Arland D. Williams Elementary School would open as a distribution site as well. Free bottled water, filled 1-gallon bottles, and empty 1-gallon bottles that may be filled on site are available for pickup at these two locations.

Both sites are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and residents are encouraged to bring the containers that were previously provided to them with the lid or their own containers. There is a limit of 5 gallons with lid.

Those who are homebound or without transportation can fill out the city’s Water Assistance Request Form at the following link: https://forms.gle/Meqg5XsBZ5UWm7o7A