8/19/24 UPDATE: The precautionary boil water advisory for Monroe County has been lifted. There is a new precautionary boil water advisory for Gentry Estates only. See addresses at https://bloomington.in.gov/utilities or 812-339-1444.
Original story below:
MONROE COUNTY, Ind. — Monroe County is under a precautionary boil water advisory until at least 9 a.m. Monday after a violation of a drinking water standard.
Test results on Friday showed turbidity levels above the maximum level, and as a result, “there is an increased chance that the water may have contained disease-causing organisms” the city said.
While it is not an emergency, residents are encouraged to boil water for drinking, cooking and making ice.
The cause of the increased turbidity was connected to sand that was being prepared for use in a new filter at the water treatment plant that accidentally spilled out of its tank, the city said.
Crews stopped the spill immediately and began testing the water every 15 minutes.
The turbidity of the water has been slowly decreasing, the city said in a news release.
According to the city’s website, turbidity has no health effects, but can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth.
Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms, like bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms and they persist, contact your doctor. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk.
If you have questions or concerns, you are asked to contact the City of Bloomington Utilities at 812-339-1444 or by email at wq@bloomington.in.gov.
