Boil Order Issued For Skokie, Evanston Following Water Main Breaks

SKOKIE, IL — A significant transmission water main break in Skokie has closed schools, roads, with a boil water order in place. A portion of neighboring Evanston also has the order in place.

According to Emergency Closing Center, Skokie-Morton Grove District 69, (Skokie), Lincoln Junior High School (Skokie), Madison School (Skokie) and Edison School (Morton Grove) are closed Friday. District 219 (Skokie) is also closed, but is having an e-learning day.

The Village of Skokie said the water main break occurred at around 5:15 a.m. at East Prairie Road and Emerson Street. Some community members in Skokie have reported very low water pressure or no water supply.

As a precaution, a boil water order went into effect for Skokie and the northwest portion of Evanston (see map below). Residents are advised to not drink tap water without first boiling it. The Village released the following tips:

• Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for five minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in water.
• Community members should avoid non-essential tap water use. The boil order will remain in effect until laboratory sampling confirms water quality has been fully restored. Additional updates will follow on this page.

A road closure was implemented at McCormick from Dempster to Golf and East Prairie from Church to Golf due to the water main break. Motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area.