SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Colonial Care Center has been fined $5,000 (Statement of Violation) by the Illinois Department of Public Health for failing to provide residents with safe hot water. The 122-bed skilled care facility is located at 3900 Stearns Ave. in Granite City.

During an annual inspection, Department surveyors found hot water in an area of the building accessible to residents was 25 degrees F to 30 degrees F above the 110 degrees F temperature determined to be acceptable by state regulations.

Department surveyors notified the facility administration of the high temperatures and showers were suspended. About an hour later, the temperature was rechecked and still found to be too hot. The administration was notified again and the problem was eventually corrected.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to monitor water temperatures in areas accessible to residents and to develop a method to ensure notification of appropriate personnel when a temperature is out of the acceptable range.

Colonial Care Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been scheduled.