Relief came Thursday for the residents of Chicago’s Southwest Side as city officials lifted a boil water advisory affecting Auburn Gresham, Beverly, and Morgan Park. The advisory, prompted by a high-pressure water main leak at the Roseland Pumping Station on Tuesday night, left thousands unable to drink straight from the tap over concerns of bacterial contamination. The Chicago Department of Water Management, citing test results, has now declared the tap water safe, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Residents are advised, however, to flush their systems before consuming the water.
Following the water main breakdown, which reduced water pressure and forced the advisory as a preemptive measure, officials provided free bottled water at Ridge Park for the residents, as per the Chicago Sun-Times. Despite the lift of the restriction, detailed instructions for flushing out home water systems were shared by the city as free bottled water was handed out, dealing with the disruption, which included running cold-water faucets and appliances, suggesting the depth of caution being exercised.
The zone affected by the boil order, as outlined by city authorities, spanned an area east of Sacramento Avenue, stretching from north of 119th Street to south of 87th Street and included neighborhoods southwest of Beverly Avenue. "Boil their tap water before use following a leak in a high-pressure water main." The Department of Water Management had earlier indicated in a safety tip due to concerning tests that were underway to rule out E. coli or other harmful bacteria, as per Hoodline.
