BLOOMINGTON– In response to recent resident inquiries about drinking water taste and odor, the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has introduced coconut-based powdered activated carbon in its treatment process. This innovative addition improves taste and smell for a fresher drinking experience. The water remains safe and meets all state and federal primary drinking water regulations.
Taste and odor variations in drinking water often stem from natural compounds like methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, which originate from algae and other organic sources. While these compounds are harmless, they can create a musty taste or odor even in very low concentrations. CBU sources water from Lake Monroe, which supplies the Monroe Water Treatment Plant, serving Bloomington and Monroe County residents.
To manage taste and smell, CBU employs several treatment methods, including copper sulfate, sodium permanganate, and the newly added coconut-based powdered activated carbon, to improve results further. Despite these methods, residents may still notice earthy tastes or odors during warmer or drier conditions. The utility is also researching water quality parameters at different depths in Lake Monroe to optimize these changes in treatment techniques.
CBU conducts multiple daily water tests at the treatment plant and across the distribution system to ensure drinking water quality and safety. Comprehensive annual water quality reports and current water quality data are available online at bloomington.in.gov/utilities/water-quality.
Customers can contact CBU’s water quality team 24/7 at 812-339-1444 or submit an inquiry through UReport at bloomington.in.gov/ureport for additional assistance or questions.
