BELLEVILLE, Ill. (KMOX/News release) — Due to frigid temperatures on Illinois American Water’s Metro East District’s production and distribution systems, a Boil order has been issued for the area — customers need to boil water for drinking and cooking.

According to Karen Cooper, senior manager of field operations and production, the continuous cold weather has caused an increase in water main breaks, resulting in a loss of pressure across Illinois American Water’s distribution system.

Anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of a community’s distribution system, a boil order must be issued as a precaution to protect customers.

During the temporary treatment change, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their water.

Institutions with additional water purification filters for special needs, for instance Hospitals and Dialysis Centers, have been contacted about this work and are aware of the treatment change.