Officials expect to lift the boil order imposed on much of the metro-east by early Friday afternoon, according to a Illinois American Water spokeswoman.
If they need to wash their clothes, they should wait until they have a full load, etc.,” Cotton wrote in an email Thursday morning.
Cotton said the water company’s affected customers will be notified when the order is lifted.
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The boil order was issued Wednesday for a majority of St. Clair County and parts of Monroe County after frigid temperatures broke numerous water mains.
The order covered most of the metro-east service area, including Belleville, East St. Louis, Centreville, Brooklyn, Fairmont City, O’Fallon, Fairview Heights, Sauget, Shiloh, Washington Park, Alorton, Cahokia, Swansea, Canteen Township, St. Clair Township, Stookey Township and Smithton Township.
The boil order did not include the cities of Mascoutah, Lebanon, Freeburg and Smithton.
Drinking water was still available Wednesday afternoon at metro-east stores such as Walmart, Schnucks, Shop ’n Save and Target.
Belleville 201 high schools will be back in session Friday, and students are encouraged to bring bottled water in case the boil order is still in effect, according to a school announcement.