The amount of Disinfectant By-Products, or DBPs, in Bloomington's water has been trending upwards in the past several years. DBPs are created when disinfectants, like chlorine, interact with organic and inorganic materials. The EPA says exposure to DBPs is linked to an increased risk of cancer.
In order to reduce those levels, the system needs to be flushed, which could be funded by increasing rates for City of Bloomington Utilities customers.
"In order, adequately and responsibly, to fund the CBU, as well as to expand the water quality program and routine distribution system flushing, additional resources will likely be required, and I do expect the CBU to undertake in consideration a potential rate increase as needed," says Mayor John Hamilton (D-Bloomington).
While DBP levels aren't exceeding federal levels, they have been rising. Two times over the last 18 months, DBPs have hit a 75% threshold. Industry best practices suggest a level of less than 50%.