Preliminary Tests Show Deerfield Water Clear, Boil Order Remains

Initial tests of Deerfield’s water supply today show it is clear and free of the fecal coliform that contaminated it Monday but the Village’s boil order remains in effect through at least midday Wednesday.

“Preliminary tests of the water supply continue to be negative of any,” Andrew Lichterman, assistant to the village manager, said. “We are continuing with the testing so the boil order will remain in effect through the middle of tomorrow (Wednesdy).”

People should continue to boil all water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation, according to a news release issued by the Village Monday.

“Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using,” the Village said in the release. “Or, use bottled water. Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.”

Though there has been a run on bottled water at many grocery stores and pharmacies in Deerfield and the surrounding area, stores are making an effort to meet the community’s needs. "We have called our distribution center and they are sending an emergency supply of bottled water," Whole Foods Team Leader Dan Gordon said.

There is no need to worry about produce in the market and prepared foods are being made at a location outside Deerfield and brought to the store, according to Gordon. "The produce we have is fresh from the farm and has not been affected by the town's water supply," he said.

Restaurants have a challenge as well but establishments like Trax Tavern & Grill have found ways to continue to serve customers. Diners cannot enjoy coffee, tea, water or soft drinks but beer is no problem.

"It comes straight from the keg," Trax Manager Jaclyn Boyd said.  She has made more than one trip to Dominick’s to purchase bottled water to wash food before it is prepared. “Our ice has been brought in by our distributor.” The dishwasher is hot enough to kill any bacteria.

Monday’s boil order was the only time in the memory of Village officials the water supply has been contaminated in the face of continued testing. That span is at least 20 years, according to Lichterman.

“We test the water five times a week and send it to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency),” Lichterman said. “They review the tests.” The most recent test came back Monday showing contamination and the Village acted immediately to put the boil order in place.

Mayor Harriet Rosenthal said she cannot remember a Village-wide boil order or a contamination of the water supply in the more than 40 years she has lived in Deerfield. She has been a trustee or mayor for more than 28 of them.

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