South Jacksonville residents on the village’s west side were told to start boiling their tap water on June 30, 2026, after a water main break triggered a precautionary boil order for customers from 660 Phillips Ferry Road west to Illinois Route 100. Village officials said the advisory will stay in place until laboratory testing confirms the system is safe, and directed residents in the affected area to call 217-245-4803 with questions.
The village’s notice was first shared online by WLDS, which reports that the order covers customers west of 660 Phillips Ferry Road to Route 100 and will remain in effect "until further notice." The station’s posting also lists the village contact number for anyone needing more information.
As detailed by the Journal-Courier, a village employee said crews were responding to a water-main break in the area and that the boil order was issued as a precaution while repairs and testing are completed. The Journal-Courier report also outlines household disinfection steps residents can turn to if boiling water is not an option.
What residents should do
Public-health guidance calls for using bottled water for drinking and cooking whenever possible, or bringing tap water to a rolling boil before use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises bringing clear water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (longer at higher elevations), while Illinois regulations and some local notices have at times recommended a five-minute boil. Residents are urged to follow the specific instructions in their local advisory.
Practical tips and alternatives
If boiling is not practical, using small amounts of household, unscented bleach to disinfect water is an alternative, and local coverage has passed along guidance on how much to use and how long to wait before drinking. Officials advise using bottled or boiled water for infants and formula, avoiding ice made during the advisory, and steering clear of coffee makers or ice machines that draw from the municipal system until the water supply is cleared and those appliances are properly sanitized.
When will the order be lifted?
Boil orders remain in place until the water supplier completes corrective actions and bacteriological samples show the system meets public-health standards. Under Illinois rules, suppliers must notify consumers when an advisory is issued and keep it active until laboratory testing demonstrates the water is safe, at which point officials will issue an all-clear.
Where to get updates
Residents with questions are encouraged to call 217-245-4803 and keep an eye on village announcements and local media for word that the order has been lifted. The initial posting and contact information can be found via WLDS. Those who rely on a private well should contact their local health department for guidance specific to their system.
