Boil order issued for South Chicago neighborhoods following pipeline leak

Chicago authorities have issued a boil order for thousands of residents in several Southwest neighborhoods including Auburn Gresham, Beverly, and Morgan Park due to concerns of bacterial contamination in the public water supply.

The order was issued after a high-pressure water pipeline leak occurred at the 100 year-old Roseland Pumping Station on Tuesday night, affecting about 20,000 residential and commercial buildings, according to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Chicago Department of Water Management recommends that residents boil their water for a minimum of five minutes to ensure it is safe for consumption.

The affected areas include buildings and homes east of Sacramento Avenue, north of 119th Street, west of Interstate 57, and south of 87th Street and southwest of Beverly Avenue, according to the Sun-Times.

Residents have reportedly come together to distribute and collect free cases of bottled water at Ridge Park.

Tests are currently being carried out to determine if the water supply is contaminated with E. coli or other bacteria. The boil order will remain in effect until city authorities verify the water's safety through testing which is anticipated to last through Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, residents in the affected neighborhoods are advised to not ingest or use the tap water in any way.