A city-wide boil order is in effect for Woodstock as crews works to repair a major water main break.
The order, issued at around 1 p.m. Friday, July 28, means all water used for consumable purposes — including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes and washing fruits and vegetables — must be boiled for at least 5 minutes and cooled before consumption to ensure no contaminants are present, according to a press release from the city of Woodstock. The order includes water used to make ice, including in automatic ice machines, and water for pets.
Under the boil order, washing clothes is fine as long as clothing is dried completely before wearing. Bathing and shaving also are acceptable as long as people take care to avoid swallowing water or shaving nicks.
The order is in effect until further notice. People who use the city of Woodstock’s water should prepare for the possibility of the order lasting three days, the city announced.
For more information, call Woodstock Public Works at 815-338-6118 or the McHenry County Health Department at 815-334-4585.