PEORIA -- UPDATE: The boil order is now lifted.
ORIGINAL: Much of North Peoria and Medina Township are currently under a boil order after work on the water system caused water pressure to plummet.
Illinois American Water spokeswoman Karen Cotton said a boil order must be issued anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of the community's water distribution system.
Water should be boiled for five minutes before drinking or cooking with it. Bathing, washing and other common usage should be OK, Cotton said.
A standard boil order lasts 36 hours, but Illinois American Water Senior Operations Manager Roger Goodson said the water company is looking to complete required testing more quickly to limit the impact of the boil order.
