9/26/2022 13:42:01 Closed by Tyler Steury
The taste and odor event has passed.
Other: Is the algae bloom high in lake Monroe? I've noticed that in the last week the water has a musty or moldy taste like it did last year around this time. I was looking to see if there was any report of it in the paper, but didn't find any, so I thought I'd ask. Thanks.
The taste and odor event has passed.
Kenneth, I apologize for the unpleasant taste and odor we’re currently experiencing with our drinking water. Unfortunately this is a system wide issue. The warm and dry weather recently has resulted in an increase in algae in Lake Monroe. This algae produces geosmin and methylisoborneol (MIB), which cause taste and odor issues with the drinking water. Our treatment system is able to control and filter the algae itself, but the compounds they produce in the lake are extremely difficult to control in a conventional water treatment plant in high amounts, and so at times they persist after treatment. Although the water is unpleasant to drink, these compounds are not a health concern, they are an aesthetic issue which is not uncommon for communities using lakes as their water source. There are certain steps we're taking to try to eliminate the issue, such as maximizing the amount of powdered activated carbon, sodium permanganate and copper sulfate that we add to the water to control algae and help with taste and odor issues. We are working with engineering firms and consultants to institute a long term solution. We’re continually testing the water for many different quality parameters in multiple sites in our distribution system and at our water treatment plant to ensure the water continues to be safe to drink. As the weather cools down the algae will return to normal levels. I apologize for this inconvenience, but this is a natural phenomenon that is difficult to treat, and we are working diligently to correct the issue. You are welcome to call or email with any questions. Tyler Steury City of Bloomington Utilities Water Quality Coordinator steuryt@bloomington.in.gov (812) 349-3655 office (812) 361-7774 cell
City | Bloomington |
---|---|
State | IN |
Zip | 47401 |
Latitude | 39.154430389404 |
Longitude | -86.464248657227 |
Township | Perry |
Status | Case Date | Category |
---|