FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Litchfield Announces Boil Order Lifted, Continues Free Chlorine Treatment
Litchfield, IL — The City of Litchfield is pleased to announce that the system-wide boil order has been officially lifted. Water samples collected and analyzed have come back clear, confirming that the system now meets all state and federal safety standards.
Residents and businesses may immediately resume normal water use without boiling.  While this marks an important step forward, the City is continuing to take proactive measures to strengthen our water system. At this time, the Water Treatment Facility will remain on Free Chlorine disinfection while necessary repairs are made. This approach also allows the City to continue a Free Burn of the distribution system, a proven method recommended by industry experts to restore and enhance system performance.
During this period, residents may notice a stronger chlorine odor or taste in the water.  This is normal and expected. While it may be noticeable, it is not harmful. In fact, the Free Burn provides important benefits:
? Enhanced Safety: Free chlorine ensures maximum disinfection throughout the
system.
? System Cleansing: It helps remove biofilm and buildup inside water lines,
improving long-term water quality.
? Future Reliability: Remaining on Free Chlorine allows the City to complete
repairs at the plant while maintaining safe and stable water conditions.
We understand the challenges this boil order has created and thank the community for its patience, cooperation, and understanding during this time. City crews, alongside the Illinois Rural Water Association, Illinois EPA, and other industry partners, worked around the clock to restore and protect the water system.
The City of Litchfield will continue to provide updates as additional work at the Water Treatment Facility progresses. For questions or concerns, residents may contact City Hall at 217-324-8151 or follow updates on the City’s official website and social media pages.