City of Grayville under boil advisory due to water line rupture

GRAYVILLE, Ill. (WFIE) - According to Grayville city officials, the entire city of is under a boil advisory after several days spent trying to fix a water main.

Officials say the main water line that feeds the water tower ruptured, forcing a total shut down of the water system.

Mayor Travis Thompson of Grayville says on Saturday, the utility supervisor told him they had a 10 inch water main break.

“Their plan was to get here Sunday morning, quick fix is what they anticipated,” said Thomas.

Thompson says the parts they needed weren’t easily found and when they went to Albion to find the part, they had no success. They eventually went to Carmi and they found the right part.

What they didn’t have was concrete to hold the 90 degree pipe in place.

“We think that it shifted and pulled the pipe out of the high max,” said Thompson. “It lasted about 15 minutes, a 20-30 foot geyser shot out.”

Thompson says the water is back on but residents should take some extra precautions.

“Turn it on from the cold side slowly. you’re going to have air pockets,” said Thompson. “Just let the water run until the air pockets are out. Maybe dirty water, just run it till it’s clean.”

Thompson says they expect there to be on a boil advisory through Thursday. The reason this advisory will last most of the week is protocol.

The boil order will remain in place until Illinois EPA gets two consecutive clear water samples to make sure the water is truly safe to drink.

In the meantime, officials say your plumbing and showers should be up and running.

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