Overview

• The alert applies to families with infants under six months in Kankakee, Peotone and University Park after tests at the Kankakee Water Treatment Plant found nitrate levels above federal safety limits.
• Officials attribute the spike to recent heavy rainfall and spring fertilization runoff into the Kankakee River.
• Parents are advised to use bottled water for preparing infant formula and warned that boiling tap water can increase nitrate concentration.
• Aqua Illinois has set up free bottled water pick-up sites and will notify customers when tap water is safe to resume.
• Adults and older children may continue drinking the tap supply, but pregnant individuals and those with health concerns are encouraged to consult their doctors.