Overview  |  Emergency Contacts  |  Policies & Procedures  |  Refuse & Recycling Service Providers  |  Sidewalk Improvement Program  |  Street Closure Permit  |  Tree Services   |  Water & Sewer

Policies & Procedures

Boil Order Procedures

The City of Morrison must issue a Boil Order when the system pressure drops below 20 psi in our distribution system.  When this occurs, we:

  1,  Restore system pressure as soon as possible.

  2.  Increase the chlorine to the system.  Chlorine will kill any bacteria, which might have entered the system.

  3.  If a large area is effected, a fax copy of the boil order is sent to all local media (Radio and Television Stations).

  4.  If only a few blocks are affected, we will hand deliver notices.

  5.  Notify the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency  (IEPA) and the Whiteside County Health Department of what has happened and what we intend to do about it.

  6.  Flush hydrants in effected area (s).

  7.  Collect microbiological samples in the area (s).
        7.1  These samples are taken to an IEPA certified lab in Dixon, IL.  When the samples arrive at the lab, a technician prepares the samples, inserts them into an incubator for 24 hours.  If any coliform bacteria are in the sample after 24 hours, they will be visible to the naked eye.  If any bacteria are present at this time, the sample is rejected.
        7.2  If any one of the samples is rejected, we are then required to collect two consecutive sets of samples, 24 hours apart, from the same locations until satisfactory results are achieved.

  8.  Test chlorine residuals periodically in effected area (s).  If bacteria has entered the system, the chlorine will diminish.

  9.  When satisfactory results are returned from the lab, we notify all local media and the Health Department that we have lifted the boil order.

 10.  Send copies of the boil order along with the lab results to the IEPA.

Please click here to visit our Frequently Asked Questions section to learn more about when and why we issue boil orders.

Burning Policy

Open burning is allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during daylight hours, only. No burning is allowed in a closed container, such as a burning barrel (outdoor grills are acceptable). You may only burn yard waste.