Mattoon Bagelfest to go on as planned despite 'Do Not Drink' water alert

MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) - Mattoon Bagelfest will still go forward as planned this week and weekend despite the city being under a "Do Not Drink" alert due to water being contaminated with a dangerous algal bloom.

Bagelfest is set to start Thursday, July 17 and run through Saturday, July 19.

The City of Mattoon reissued a do not drink order Tuesday night. This was after the city previously canceled that order for two days, claiming the water was safe to consume.

The city said in a press release Tuesday evening that the algal bloom was found at 0.38 parts per billion level, above the advisory level of 0.3 parts per billion.

This is higher than the testing results that were shared previously by the City of Mattoon. According to officials, samples first taken from the Mattoon Water Treatment Plant detected microcystin levels at 0.35 parts per billion (ppb).

Concentrations of toxin are just above the threshold Illinois set for children.

Bagelfest organizers took to social media to announce that despite the alert still being active, the popular annual celebration will still go on.

"We understand the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing water situation in Mattoon. In light of recent developments, we want to share some important information and offer reassurance about safety measures in place for Bagelfest.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Food Vendors:

No food vendor at Bagelfest will be using Mattoon city water for any purpose — including food prep, drinks, or handwashing. All water used by vendors is being safely outsourced, including any ice used.

2. Public Handwashing Stations:

All handwashing stations throughout the park are being supplied with non-Mattoon water. Most are provided by Harrelson Plumbing, who have confirmed their water source is Clear Water. While the current notice has only warned against drinking we are taking steps to ensure all water being used here in the park is 100% safe

3. Bagels from the Factory:

Bagels provided by BIMBO Bakery are completely safe to eat. BIMBO has gone above and beyond to outsource safe water in large tanks for production.

This is a constantly evolving situation, and like all of you, we are adjusting in real time. We began planning for this the moment the first advisory was issued last Friday. Our goal remains clear: keep Bagelfest safe, fun, and running smoothly."

Organizers said people can bring bottled water and non alcoholic drinks into the concerts. You cannot bring coolers.

WAND News is reaching out to Bagelfest organizers Wednesday to get more information ahead of the festival's Thursday start.

The city is unsure when the new order will be rescinded and is awaiting further information from the IEPA.

The algal bloom was caused by the hot, sunny conditions the area has seen lately.

Symptoms of poisoning with this microtoxin are similar to norovirus (stomach issues). It can cause a rash if on the skin, however, ingesting it is worse than contact on the skin.