Boil Order Issued in Suburban Chicago

Officials say residents should boil water for at least 5 minutes due to pressure valve failure.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:33pm

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A boil water order has been issued in a localized area of Hickory Hills, Illinois, after a pressure valve failure. Residents are advised to boil water for at least 5 minutes before consumption while testing is underway.

Why it matters

Boil orders are issued to ensure the safety of the public water supply when there is a risk of contamination. This order affects a specific neighborhood in Hickory Hills, a suburb southwest of Chicago.

The details

The precautionary boil order was issued around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday in a localized area of Hickory Hills due to a pressure valve failure east of 82nd Avenue, according to city officials. All water for consumption should be boiled for a minimum of 5 minutes, though the water is still safe to use for handwashing and showering. Water samples have been submitted to an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency laboratory, with results expected within 24 hours.

  • The boil order was issued around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Water samples have been submitted to a lab, with results expected within 24 hours.

The players

City of Hickory Hills

The local government authority that issued the boil order and is overseeing the response.

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What’s next

The Illinois EPA lab results are expected within 24 hours to determine if the water is safe to drink without boiling.

The takeaway

This boil order highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable public water supply, even in suburban areas. Residents should follow the guidance from local officials until the issue is resolved.