Discolored city water safe to drink, officials say

Water around the city that has become discolored from a lack of rain and high temperatures is safe to drink, the City of Bloomington Utilities Department announced Thursday.\nAdam Wason, public affairs specialist for the utilities department, said water in some parts of the city has taken on a slight discoloration and musty taste because of an alteration of the chemistry of water in Monroe Reservoir from weather and precipitation patterns. He said the utilities department is increasing its testing frequency as a precautionary measure.\n"All water in our distribution system continues to exceed all federal and state standards," said Rachel Atz, water quality coordinator for the utilities department. "Algae growth from higher than normal surface water temperatures at Monroe Reservoir is leading to the slight discoloration and taste issues."\nWason said the discolored water was found in the southern, southwestern and western parts of Bloomington.