Thousands of Illinois American Water customers were without water or had low water pressure due to a major transmission line break. The main break took place on the corner of Northeast Jefferson and Abington Street just after nine Monday morning. A large portion of the city, south of Forrest Hill, was impacted.
Illinois American Water was able to restore service to a majority of customers by eleven. Spokeswoman Karen Cotton says those living in the affected areas are under a boil order through about ten Tuesday night.
"People in this area that we've outlined. They may say, 'I never lost water pressure,' but we're just using a precautionary approach to make sure that we advise them of the boil order that is in effect for the area that we expect to have been affected."
Water used for drinking or cooking should be brought to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Water from the tap can be used for bathing, washing and other common uses. Food establishments impacted by the water main break should consult the Peoria City County Health Department's website for the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points bulletin for food establishments.
Cotton says about 20 customers will remain without water service until the transmission line is repaired. They include residents and businesses along Abington Street from Adams to Prospect and those along Jefferson from Spring to Adams. The main break is expected to be fixed by Tuesday afternoon.
A temporary road repair will likely take place to the intersection of Jefferson and Abingdon until temperatures warm up.