Temporary Water Discoloration in Bloomington Linked to Seasonal Conditions, Officials Say

Written from press release

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Some Bloomington residents may have noticed discolored water or sediment building up on their filters in recent days, but city officials say the issue is temporary and not a health hazard.

According to a release issued July 8 by the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU), the discoloration is due to seasonal changes and elevated water levels in the Monroe Reservoir, the city’s primary water source. These conditions have stirred up naturally occurring minerals, primarily iron and manganese, from deeper parts of the reservoir where oxygen levels are lower.

“These minerals can cause a brown or yellow tint in the water, but they do not pose a health risk for short-term, low-level exposure,” said Justin Meschter, Water Quality Coordinator for the City of Bloomington Utilities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not classify these minerals as primary contaminants.

While the city’s treatment plant routinely monitors and treats for these minerals, CBU says the plant has limited capacity to fully remove them when concentrations change rapidly. In response, the utility has made physical adjustments at the treatment plant and increased hydrant flushing and system-wide monitoring to improve clarity and maintain safety.

“All samples taken throughout the distribution system remain well within all EPA health advisory levels,” the release stated.

Residents experiencing water discoloration are advised to change their filters more often than usual until the issue subsides.

For questions or concerns, customers can contact CBU at 812-349-3930 or visit bloomington.in.gov/utilities.

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