'Lack of trust'; Mattoon community powering through second 'do not drink' order
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MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — As the Mattoon “do not drink” order remains in effect, there are a few places where residents feeling the impacts of the issue can pick up safe water.

Walmart in Mattoon

The Salvation Army Mattoon and Walmart in Mattoon are teaming up to give out free drinking water. The water distribution will take place at the Walmart at 101 Dettro Drive in the northwest corner of the parking lot, and people attending are asked to use the McDonald’s entrance and follow the signs to Lawn & Garden.

At Walmart, they’re handing out cases of bottled water, gallon jugs of water and nursery water. Donations are also being accepted for The Salvation Army. The water distribution is taking place until 7 p.m. on Thursday and will also take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, or while supplies last.

Residents also have the chance to bring in plastic bottles for recycling at this distribution site.

Lyle Park and Arland D. Williams Elementary School

Free bottled water, filled 1-gallon bottles and empty 1-gallon bottles that may be filled on site are available for pickup at Lyle Park located at 3298 Cedar Ave. and Arland D. Williams Elementary School at 1709 S 9th St in Mattoon.

These distribution sites are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents are being urged to bring the containers previously provided to them with the lid or their own containers. The limit for containers with a lid is five gallons.

To make sure that water is distributed fairly, the City of Mattoon is asking residents to not visit both of these locations on the same day.

Those who are homebound or without transportation can fill out a Water Assistance Request Form. These form requests should be limited to one per household. To fill out a form, click here.

For the latest updates on water safety in Mattoon, visit the city’s website.

Humboldt Fire Department

The Village of Humboldt will give out water to affected residents at their local fire station. According to Humboldt Mayor Cassie McMillan, the water has been delivered by the Donnewald Distributing Co. and the village is currently getting volunteers lined up to lend a helping hand.

The village is asking that Humboldt water customers in need come to the fire station starting at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, or until the water runs out. McMillan said they have a limited amount and would like to make sure the people who need it the most get the water first.

Those unable to physically make it to the fire station can comment on McMillan’s Facebook post, and the village will have someone deliver the water to you.

Resources for local restaurants

The Mattoon Chamber of Commerce said that water, paper plates and cups are available for local restaurants and small businesses in the area. There is a water tanker at the Mattoon YMCA and paper plates will be available later.

KC Summers provided the water tankers for small businesses and Rural King is supplying the paper plates and cups for local restaurants. The Chamber of Commerce is urging these businesses to use as much resources as they need, but to also be courteous of other local businesses.

They are also reminding people that this water is for small businesses only. The city is working to get more water tankers eastward for other businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce said that most of the local restaurants are open for lunch and will be operational for dinner as well. These restaurants are getting water and ice from outside sources, have hand washing stations, and are getting paper products to serve food and drinks.

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