City of Bloomington Restores Consistent Fluoride to Drinking Water Following Longstanding System Failures

~ Bloomington, IN- The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has successfully restored fluoride to its drinking water supply after years of intermittent supplementation. The new temporary fluoridation system, located at the Monroe Water Treatment Plant, was completed on January 28, 2026.

The issue with fluoridation began in late 2019 when leaks were discovered in the bulk chemical storage tank used to deliver fluoride. Previous attempts to repair the system were unsuccessful and a temporary workaround was implemented by the previous administration. However, this solution proved to be costly and posed safety risks for plant staff. Despite efforts to fix the tank in 2022, leaks persisted.

As a result, CBU made the decision to discontinue supplemental fluoride feed. While naturally occurring fluoride was still present in the drinking water, it was not consistently supplemented to the recommended levels. However, throughout this period, Bloomington's water remained safe to drink and compliant with all federal and state regulations.

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In mid-2024, Mayor Kerry Thomson became aware of the extent of the fluoridation disruption and directed CBU to find a sustainable solution that would prevent future failures. The newly installed temporary system uses multiple smaller tanks instead of one large bulk storage tank. This design reduces risk for staff, lowers costs, and allows for easier repairs or replacements without shutting down the entire system. Components of this temporary system will also be incorporated into a permanent fluoridation system as part of CBU's Capital Improvement Program.

CBU Director Katherine Zaiger expressed her appreciation for the staff's dedication and problem-solving skills in finding a solution that addresses community concerns while prioritizing safety. She also acknowledged that there were inconsistencies in public reporting on fluoride levels in previous years but assured that steps have been taken to improve communication with customers.

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While fluoride is not required for water potability, it is widely recognized by public health officials as beneficial for dental health, especially for children and those with limited access to dental care. With the temporary system now operational, CBU is once again feeding fluoride at recommended levels.

The temporary fluoridation system will remain in place until a permanent system can be constructed, pending funding and final approvals. In the meantime, Bloomington's drinking water will continue to meet or exceed all safety standards.

Customers can stay updated on this project by contacting CBU. The City also passed Resolution 2025-14 in July of 2025, committing to present the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) annually at a public meeting of the Utilities Service Board.

Fluoride has been successfully restored to Bloomington's drinking water supply, providing residents with the recommended levels for dental health. The City remains committed to ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for its community.

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