Macomb, IL – Western Illinois has already seen a lot of rain this week, which has raised concerns in Macomb about another potential boil order.
Public Works Director Walter Burnett hopes that's not the case.
Right now his department is frequently checking turbidity levels at Spring Lake, though the impact of runoff is not typically seen until 48 hours after the rain has stopped. It's also checking raw water turbidity levels as it comes in.
Burnett says the city's water plant faces hurdles this spring, but does not want to forecast a chronic boil order problem.
"With the changes in regulations and the changes in our monitoring points we've had to make... we're challenged, certainly," he said.
Burnett says all of Macomb's water filters are online and problem free. Also the ground is not as frozen, which will result in less runoff than there was during the last boil order.
To listen to an interview with Walter Burnett on this topic, click on the audio button at the top of the page.
Note: The reporters' questions are off mic and may be difficult to hear.