Village of Bellwood awaiting EPA clearance as boil order remains in effect
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In west suburban Bellwood, it's day four of a boil order.
Unsafe drinking water forced some families to cancel Christmas celebrations. Officials said extreme cold likely caused two water main breaks and problems in the water tower system.
Half of the village has lost water completely and the other half has only low pressure.
The village said Tuesday that 29 samples were collected from locations around Bellwood and are being tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The process can take between 24 and 48 hours.
EPA is required to test the water before it's considered safe again.
The village says it will notify residents that the order has been lifted upon receiving clearance.
In the meantime, water used for drinking or cooking needs to be boiled for at least five minutes before use. Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled.