MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – The Coles County Health Department issued a “Do Not Drink” advisory for the entire City of Mattoon after harmful levels of a neurological toxin were detected in the city’s water supply.
Officials say the contaminant is Microcystin, a byproduct of harmful algal blooms. The toxin was detected at a level of 0.35 parts per billion, exceeding the advisory threshold of 0.3 ppb. Exposure to Microcystin can cause serious illness if consumed, prompting an urgent warning for all Mattoon residents to immediately stop using tap water.
Residents are advised not to use tap water for any purpose—including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, preparing food, or washing dishes—and to only use bottled water until further notice. Authorities emphasized that boiling, freezing, filtering, or adding disinfectants will not make the water safe.
“This is a serious health advisory,” said Jim Hilgenberg with the Coles County Emergency Management Agency, who confirmed that Mattoon water is unsafe for all consumption. The Mattoon YMCA has shut down its showers, and local businesses like Stadium Grill have closed early due to the situation.
The Coles County Health Department and Mattoon Water Treatment Plant are working to resolve the issue and will notify the public when the water is safe again.
For questions, residents can contact the Water Utility at 217-234-2454 or the Coles County Health Department at 217-348-0530.