CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A sinkhole in Champaign is causing problems for people across several counties.

It happened on Duncan Road near Curtis Orchard. The water main had been leaking for a while before the ground caved in. Farmers at the scene say Illinois American Water knew about the leak before today but could not find it because it was in a cornfield.

A boil order is now in place for West Prairie Water customers in rural Douglas, Moultrie, Piatt and Coles counties. That counts for nearly 12 hundred people.

Illinois American Water says Arcola, Broadlands, Embarrass Area Water District, Pesotum, Sadorus, and Tuscola are all under a boil order as well. They say customers should bring their tap water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking. Water is OK for bathing, washing and other common uses.