The following article was written by Desiree DeMolina for the City of Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana – The precautionary boil water advisory for Monroe County has been lifted, except for 207 households in Gentry Estates. For more information, including exact addresses, visit bloomington.in.gov/utilities or call 812-339-1444.

Turbidity levels are now within prescribed parameters and water quality testing has returned satisfactory results, indicating that no contaminants were detected in drinking water at any time. There was an inconclusive test in one isolated area in Gentry Estates. Another test is required at this sampling station before the alert is lifted for this neighborhood. In all other areas and addresses, tap water and products made from tap water, such as ice cream, are safe for consumption and customers need not take any further action.

On Friday, August 16, 2024, City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) violated a drinking water standard. In accordance with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) guidelines, CBU issued a precautionary boil water advisory for all of its customers.

CBU regularly monitors drinking water for certain contaminants to ensure compliance with federal health regulations. The results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not the drinking water meets federal health regulations. Friday evening’s results showed turbidity levels above the 1 unit maximum allowed by the regulation. Because of these high turbidity levels, there is an increased risk that the water could contain disease-causing organisms.

At the water treatment plant, sand being prepared for use in a new filter accidentally spilled out of the tank, causing the water to become cloudy (suspended solids turbidity). Staff immediately contained the spill, stopped the water flow, and began testing the water every 15 minutes to monitor turbidity. IDEM requires all public water systems to issue a precautionary boil water advisory when turbidity of 1 unit or more is detected. Water turbidity has returned to normal and no contaminants have been detected.

Customers signed up for Monroe County Alert will be notified directly of future boil water notices. CBU customers can also view a list of affected addresses on the CBU website at bloomington.in.gov/utilities.

Those who have not yet signed up for the Monroe County Alert can do so at co.monroe.in.us and click on “Resident Alert Sign Up.” This tool allows CBU and other agencies to quickly provide important information, including road closures, tornado warnings, missing persons and evacuation instructions. Residents can sign up to receive time-sensitive messages via text, email or phone and choose the type of alerts they would like to receive.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Bloomington City Council at 812-339-1444 or email [email protected].