In a post on the Vienna Police Department Facebook page on Friday evening, they pass along word that the City of Vienna has issued a DO NOT DRINK WATER effective until further notice.
They report that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency was conducting routine testing when they detected a toxic algae bloom. The bloom reportedly contained a neurological toxin that was detected at 7 parts per billion in Vienna's water supply. The report says a DO NOT DRINK WATER is issued when the toxin level is detected to be at least 3 parts per billion.
Vienna's water department and the Southern Seven Health Department urges residents not to use the city tap water for drinking or cooking. Do not let pets drink the water. Drink only bottled water until further notice.
Officials further warn that boiling the water, using filters or adding chlorine will not make the water safe.
The city has also announced that water will be available to pick up at the Vienna City Park starting at 10 am on Saturday. Bottled or plastic jugs will be distributed in limited quantities to ensure everyone that needs water receives some.
If you are elderly or can not get out, you are instructed to call the Johnson County Sheriff's office business line at 618 658 8264 . They will have a list of persons to contact to arrange deliveries.
A harmful algal bloom occurs when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in a body of water. The excessive algal growth, or algal bloom, becomes visible to the naked eye and can be green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the type of algae.
Some blooms are easy to spot, but others are hard to see because they can grow near the bottom of water bodies. You cannot tell if a water body has a harmful bloom just by looking at it.
On the Net:
Vienna Police Department Facebook page
