BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A water main break has closed portions of East Main Street in Belleville, Illinois.
Portions of East Main Street from High Street through Charles Street were closed Monday due to the main break in Belleville's water distribution system, Illinois American Water said. Road restoration was underway Tuesday morning.
Water service was restored around 8 p.m. Monday, but residents and businesses in the area remained under a Boil Water Order due to the main break.
The break affected several businesses, forcing some to close early.
Circa Boutique Owner Andria Powell said while she doesn't rely on water, the power also went out and they ended up having to close.
"We can wash our hands and do things a couple of doors down. That's not really a problem. But as far as power, that's the only bummer. Nobody wants to try on clothes when it's like 45 degrees in a shop. So if the heater is not working, I don't know," Powell said.
Power was eventually restored later in the day.
Just across the street, the Bennie's Pizza Pub owner Bennie Parr jumped into action to avoid having to shut down for the day.
"We shut off any equipment that handles tap water. So there would be no contamination in that machinery. And then we got fresh water, water bottles, soda cans, hand sanitizer things like that, so we could keep going. And we were able to make it through our lunch rush," Parr said.
He said unfortunately it likely won't be the last time they have to go through this in the area.
"They did just replace a bunch of water mains just down the street from us on Main Street. The replacement didn't come down this far. And I know our infrastructure on these streets with these old pipes is in pretty bad shape. So it is a matter of time before we have more," Parr said.
Parr said he was glad they were able to stay open all evening for special cocktail-making classes and to invite people in for dinner.
While the boil order is in place, water for drinking or cooking should be brought to a rolling boil for five minutes prior to use. Water is okay for bathing, laundry and other common uses, Illinois American Water said.
Repairs began around 2 p.m. but Illinois American Water said it may take several days. Restoration of the roadway will begin shortly after the main break is fixed.
Customers will be informed when the boil order is lifted.