Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has released its latest Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, confirming that the city’s tap water met all federal safety standards throughout 2024. The detailed report, which is required under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, offers transparency about the quality of water residents drink every day and outlines the results of rigorous testing done throughout the year.
According to the report, Bloomington’s drinking water continues to meet or exceed the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public safety. During 2024, CBU detected 13 regulated substances in the water, such as total organic carbon and disinfectant byproducts (DBPs), but all were present at safe levels as defined by federal guidelines. More than 70 other potential contaminants were tested for but not found, and therefore are not included in the report.
“Clean, safe drinking water is something we should never take for granted,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson. “I’m proud of the work CBU does every day to protect public health, care for our environment, and serve our community. I encourage residents to take a look at this year’s water report—it’s a great snapshot of how we’re doing and why it matters.”
The report aims to keep residents informed, offering clear data and explanations of testing protocols. Among the key findings were levels of DBPs and total organic carbon, which form during the treatment process and are closely monitored to ensure they do not exceed limits. These substances, while common in most water systems, can pose long-term health risks if not properly controlled—making their regulation a top priority for utility managers.
In addition to fulfilling a federal requirement, CBU goes further by publishing supplementary data sets on its Open Data Portal. This includes up-to-date information on lead and copper testing, the presence (or absence) of unregulated contaminants, and performance metrics like plant energy consumption and wastewater system activity.
One area of special interest for environmental and health experts is PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances have been a concern across the country due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. CBU’s testing as part of the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule showed no detectable PFAS in Bloomington’s water supply in 2024.
CBU’s efforts go beyond testing and reporting. The utility also emphasizes sustainability, public education, and responsive customer service. By making data accessible online and offering paper copies on request, CBU ensures that all residents—regardless of their comfort with digital tools—can stay informed about what’s in their water.
Residents who have questions about the report or would like a printed version can reach out to CBU’s Water Quality team at [email protected] or by calling 812-349-3655.
Bloomington’s continued commitment to transparency and safety in its water supply is a key element of its public health strategy. The 2024 report serves as a reminder of the vital behind-the-scenes work that keeps the city running—and keeps clean water flowing from every tap.
