7:14 a.m. updated story

REND LAKE — Officials from the Rend Lake Conservancy District report that the long awaited bypass is completed and the end of “one very long day is within sight.”

At approximately 4:00 a.m. Friday, RLCD reported that contractors installed the last fittings and energized one pump shortly thereafter. This began the flow of treated water into the system. Then water began to be drawn from Rend Lake to begin the treatment process.

The release from the district went onto say that “Over the next several hours the volume of water will be gradually increased. During that time, we anticipate that the replacement of the broken piece of steel pipe will also be completed. This will allow more water to be pumped into the system. Refilling all tanks and all lines will require one or more days.”

In the latest update from Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis, he reports there was still water in the tanks as of 6:00 a.m. He says, “The normal peak usage which starts usually around 4 a.m. which we had expected to empty our towers has not happened. We thank everyone for their efforts that have made our water last as long as it has.”

“Rend Lake Conservancy District has told us that they’re slowly bringing the bypass up to speed. As of yet we have not seen a drop come through the pipes. It may be hours before we see any water being pushed to us,” Lewis said.

The city is currently under a boil water order and will remain so until further notice. All residents should conserve water until told otherwise.

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5:28 a.m. story
REND LAKE — Officials from the Rend Lake Conservancy District report that the long awaited bypass is completed and the end of “one very long day is within sight.”

At approximately 4:00 a.m. Friday, RLCD reported that contractors installed the last fittings and energized one pump shortly thereafter. This began the flow of treated water into the system. Then water began to be drawn from Rend Lake to begin the treatment process.

The release from the district went onto say that “Over the next several hours the volume of water will be gradually increased. During that time, we anticipate that the replacement of the broken piece of steel pipe will also be completed. This will allow more water to be pumped into the system. Refilling all tanks and all lines will require one or more days.”

Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis says that he is aware that “they have the bypass up and running but would not talk to us any further as far as how long it would take to get the plant up and in operation.”

Mt. Vernon was reportedly projected to run dry around 5:00 a.m. after revised estimates in the overnight hours, but residents still had water as of 5:30 a.m.

The city is currently under a boil water order and will remain so until further notice.