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City of Bloomington Officials Report October 2016 Disinfectant Byproduct Levels, New Water Treatment Plant Superintendent

Last updated on Thursday, December 1, 2016

(BLOOMINGTON) - The monthly disinfection byproduct (DBP) test results for October have been released, and show a steep decline from September, with the contaminant levels continuing to be lower than the 2015 results.

According to Utilities Director Vic Kelson, "Our October samples are consistent with the downward trend in DBP concentrations that we expect as the water cools in late fall. Our optimization team will continue adjusting our treatment process to increase the removal of dissolved organic material and reduce DBP formation."

For October 2016, the most recent month, findings revealed the concentration of HAA5 levels at the eight testing sites ranged from 28.0 parts per billion (ppb) to 32.0 ppb and the THM levels were between 41.7 and 46.0 ppb. In September 2016, results indicated the concentration of HAA5 ranged from 39.0 ppb to 45.0 ppb, and the THM levels were between 50.7 ppb and 60.4 ppb.

Regarding the report, Mayor John Hamilton said,"The October water testing results reveal a marked decrease in disinfectant byproducts from the same time last year, and are a good reflection of the progress we've made in protecting our water quality in the last ten months."

Monthly water testing was initiated in January of this year in an effort better to track water quality, specifically DBPs. Over the January - October 2016 period no individual sample has exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL). In 2015, while there were no violations of the annual average standards, 8 of the 32 samples taken in the distribution system exceeded the THM standard and 12 of 32 exceeded the HAA5 standard. The graphs below present the 2016 results in comparison to prior years.

The continuing improvement in the quality of Bloomington's water is due in large part to the responsiveness of CBU staff. Improvements may also be attributed to cooler seasonal temperatures which typically contribute to more manageable levels of DBPs.

Kelson also announced that Don Gramlich has been named the new Monroe Water Treatment Plant Superintendent as of November 28. Gramlich has served in various capacities with the plant since November 2014. "Don's experience has been invaluable this year as we've worked to reduce DBPs, and has served well as our temporary interim Superintendent. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to improve our operations."

Testing of CBU water is conducted by a private, independent laboratory. All water quality test results are available online at data.bloomington.in.gov under "Utilities."

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