The following article was written by Desiree DeMolina for The City of Bloomington
Bloomington, Ind. – The precautionary boil water advisory for Monroe County has been lifted, with the exception of 207 homes in Gentry Estates. More information, including specific addresses, is available at bloomington.in.gov/utilities or by calling 812-339-1444.
Turbidity levels are now within regulated parameters and water quality tests have returned with satisfactory results, indicating no contaminants were detected at any time in the drinking water. There was one inconclusive test in an isolated area in Gentry Estates. Another test is needed at that sampling station before the advisory is lifted for that neighborhood. For all other areas and addresses, tap water and products made from tap water, such as ice, are safe to consume and customers do not need to take any further action.
On Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) violated a drinking water standard. Per guidelines from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), CBU issued a precautionary boil water advisory for all of its customers.
CBU regularly monitors drinking water for specific contaminants to ensure compliance with federal health regulations. The results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not the drinking water meets the federal health rules. Results on Friday evening showed turbidity levels above the maximum level of 1 Unit permitted by the rule. Because of these high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may have contained disease-causing organisms.
At the water treatment plant, sand that was being prepared for use in a new filter accidentally spilled out of its tank. This increased the turbidity (cloudiness from suspended matter) of the water. Staff immediately contained the spill, stopped water from flowing, and began testing the water every 15 minutes to monitor turbidity. The IDEM requires all public water systems to issue a precautionary Boil Water Advisory when the turbidity is detected at 1 Unit or above. The turbidity of the water has returned to normal and no contaminants were detected.
Customers who have signed up for Monroe County Alert will be directly notified of any future boil water advisories. CBU customers may also refer to the CBU website at bloomington.in.gov/utilities for a list of specific addresses affected.
Those who have not signed up for the Monroe County Alert can do so at co.monroe.in.us and click “Resident Alert Sign Up.” This tool enables CBU and other government offices to provide critical information quickly, including road closures, tornado warnings, missing persons, and evacuation notices. Residents can register to receive time-sensitive messages via text, email, or phone and select the types of alerts they wish to receive.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the City of Bloomington Utilities at 812-339-1444 or by email at wq@bloomington.in.gov.