CBU Coordinates With IDEM to Resolve Effects of Water Main Break at Local Detention Pond

The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) is currently coordinating with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to resolve the effects of a water main break earlier this month in the Hyde Park neighborhood. On March 10, CBU received a report of dead fish surfacing in a stormwater detention pond near the intersection of South Robins Bow and East Winston Street. CBU staff concluded that a water main break on March 2 had caused about 50,000 gallons of treated water to discharge into the stormwater system and then into the detention pond. Although water had been shut off within two hours of the break being reported, the exposure to water treated for human consumption was fatal to about 300 small fish, and may have adversely affected other plants and animals in the detention pond. CBU has shared the information with the IDEM and conducted a cleanup of the pond. The chlorine had already naturally dissipated. After IDEM completes its investigation of the incident, CBU will complete appropriate actions as directed by the state agency.

“This incident speaks to the urgency of CBU’s water main replacement program,” said CBU Director Vic Kelson.  “Together with providing safe and reliable drinking water, CBU is equally committed to stewarding our natural environment, to keep contaminants out of our stormwater system and local watershed.  We are grateful to the residents who brought this break and its consequences to our attention.”  

Bloomington’s drinking water is treated for human consumption with chlorine and other chemicals that can be toxic to sensitive aquatic plants and animals. Anything that flows into the storm drains will end up in local ponds and creeks, and eventually to the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. Water flowing down the street unrelated to a rain event indicates a water main break and should be reported to CBU at 812-339-1444.