What happened?
High levels of Fecal bacteria were found in water samples collected from the lake serving the East Brooklyn Public Water Supply. If your home is connected to the East Brooklyn Public Water Supply, you are receiving untreated water from a nearby lake. The Fecal bacteria in this water can make you sick. Water containing Fecal bacteria is of particular concern for people with weakened immune systems, as well as children and the elderly.
What does this mean?
The presence of Fecal bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems.
What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Bottled or treated water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, washing hands, and food preparation until further notice. Tap water can be used for showering, bathing, flushing toilets, and doing laundry. However, care should be taken while bathing and during other tap water-related activities to prevent accidental ingestion of water.
What else did the Illinois EPA find in the East Brooklyn Lake Water?
Illinois EPA tested the lake water for the following substances, which were not found or were found at levels below concern and under the Primary Maximum Contaminant Levels allowed under federal and state law: nitrate-nitrite, disinfection byproducts, synthetic organic chemicals, volatile organic chemicals, and inorganic chemicals.