MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Mattoon has issued a second “do not drink” order, just two days after a previous order was lifted.

On Tuesday night at 9:10 p.m., Jeff Hilligoss, Mattoon Fire Chief, said the order was reissued because the harmful algal bloom neurological toxin was found at 0.38 parts per billion level. The advisory level for a “do not drink” order is 0.3 parts per billion.

Both the Coles County Health Department and the City of Mattoon Water Treatment Plant said that residents should not use tap water for drinking and cooking until further notice.

Hilligoss said at this time, there are certain steps that residents should follow. This includes:

• Only using bottled water
  • This includes for drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and preparing food
• Do not treat the water yourself
  • Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe

“We are waiting for further instruction from the IEPA. We will inform you when tests show that the water is safe once again,” Hilligoss said in a release sent to WCIA.

Hilligoss added that the city is testing daily, but they are unsure when the order will be rescinded. He also asked residents to share this information with others who might not have received notice directly — like people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses.

This is a developing story