The City of Bloomington Utilities has met all the state and federal regulations for lead and copper sampling over the last 5 years, and will next be sampling in 2025 as part of the state sampling schedule.  If you have any questions regarding lead and copper, or the EPA and IDEM regulations please contact the office of water quality.

Lead and Copper are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Lead and Copper samples are obtained from residential customers with lead service lines, lead solder or premise-plumbing lead components. The Action Limit is 15 ug/l for lead and 1300 ug/l for Copper. Micrograms per liter (ug/l) is equal to parts per billion (ppb). One part per billion is roughly equal to a teaspoon of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Recent changes to the lead and copper rule have stepped up regulations on the levels of lead and copper in drinking water. These changes have required the removal of lead service lines by water utilities over the upcoming years.  The EPA has also put into place a requirement where all daycares, elementary and middle schools are required to be tested for lead levels. These changes are aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and protecting children.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with lead service lines and home plumbing. CBU does not use lead materials but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components of private construction. 

Customers with lead service lines, lead solder or premise-plumbing lead components: When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using the water for drinking and cooking.

Information on lead in drinking water, test methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Contact the Office of Water Quality at wq@bloomington.in.gov. 

The City of Bloomington's water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water regulations.