City of Mattoon News

July 17, 2025 5:30 p.m. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) sampled the water on Thursday, July 17. Results obtained today show the presence of an algal bloom neurological toxin at 0.058 parts per billion, a significant decrease from 0.215 parts per billion in yesterday’s test. Today’s results qualify as a non-detect reading. Out an abundance of caution, the IEPA is recommending the City of Mattoon continues the DO NOT DRINK Order at this time. The next round of water testing is scheduled for Friday, July 18. With the approval of the IEPA, the City of Mattoon began a controlled [...]

July 16, 2025 10:00 p.m. CITY OF MATTOON WATER UPDATE The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) sampled the water on Wednesday, July 16th. Results obtained today show the presence of an algal bloom neurological toxin at 0.215 parts per billion, a decrease from 0.38 parts per billion in previous testing. The advisory threshold for a Do Not Drink order is 0.3 parts per billion. While this downward trend is encouraging, the City will continue to conduct regular sampling and testing before lifting the Do Not Drink order. The next test is scheduled for Thursday, July 17th, and the DO NOT [...]

July 16, 2025 2:40 p.m. Please be advised that current water conditions are expected to continue for the next 3 to 4 days. Per Illinois EPA guidance, two consecutive safe test results are required before lifting the advisory. WATER DISTRIBUTION AVAILABLE Free bottled water, filled 1-gallon bottles, and empty 1-gallon bottles that may be filled on site are available for pickup at the following locations: Lytle Park (Address: 3298 Cedar Ave, Mattoon) Arland D. Williams Elementary School (Address: 1709 S 9th St, Mattoon, IL 61938) Distribution sites are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to [...]

 Date: 7/15/2025 UNSAFE WATER ALERT City of Mattoon water is again possibly contaminated with (Microcystin) a Harmful Algal Bloom DO NOT DRINK YOUR WATER Failure to follow this advisory could result in illness. A DO NOT DRINK ORDER is being reissued because a harmful algal bloom neurological toxin was found at 0.38 parts per billion level and the advisory level for a DO NOT DRINK order is 0.3 parts per billion. The Coles County Health Department, and City of Mattoon Water Treatment Plant are advising residents of the City of Mattoon Water Treatment Plant to NOT USE THE TAP WATER [...]

FAQs About City of Mattoon Water Situation Q: What’s the issue with our water? A: On Thursday, July 10th, the City was notified by IEPA that water contained trace amounts of microcystin (micro-sys-tin), a cyanotoxin (sigh-an-o-toxin) produced by a kind of cyanobacteria that is commonly called “blue-green algae.” While the City continually monitors the water quality, tests performed by the IEPA happen on a periodic basis and when deemed necessary. The water tested at a .35 parts per billion level and the advisory level for children preschool age and younger (under 6 years old), pregnant women and nursing mothers, individuals [...]

  CITY OF MATTOON – PARKS & LAKES DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE July 2, 2025     Lake Mattoon Waterfowl Hunting Drawing The City of Mattoon has announced the 2025 annual drawing to assign waterfowl hunting privileges at Lake Mattoon. The City of Mattoon has 12 blind locations designated for the hunting of waterfowl at Lake Mattoon.  Applicants must reside in Coles, Cumberland or Shelby Counties and be 18 years old. Lake Mattoon Waterfowl Drawing Applications are available at the Lake Mattoon Marina, 1282 County Road 000E, Neoga, IL 62447. A non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged. Applications should be [...]