"I Feel Fine:" Mayor Dan Ridenour Reassures Muncie Residents on Water Quality Amid Community Concerns
MUNCIE, Ind. (The CI) - As Muncie community members continue to express water quality concerns online, Mayor Dan Ridenour poured himself a glass in a community update video published to Facebook on April 7.
Both longtime residents and Ball State students are voicing concerns of their water smelling and tasting earthy on Facebook and YikYak, respectively.
Indiana American Water is the water utility company for Muncie, Indiana.
Mayor Dan Ridenour’s Taste Test: “I Feel Fine”
Ridenour insists the water is safe, and poured himself a glass after some residents commented, asking him to drink it.
“[Indiana American Water] has indicated that, through some natural conditions, one of which[...] is heavy rainfall, which we all know we’ve had, and seasonal warming,” Ridenour said. “There’s some concern out there in the public, and the water company says the water is perfectly safe. And so, I just thought I would go ahead and drink some since several people online have said, ‘Let’s see the mayor drink some.’”
The City of Muncie’s Statement
In a statement posted to Facebook before Ridenour’s video, the City of Muncie claimed that Indiana American Water stated the water’s “earthy or musty taste or odor” is “likely caused by naturally occurring compounds associated with seasonal environment changes in the Prairie Creek Reservoir.”
“While the taste or smell may be unpleasant, the water remains safe to drink and continues to meet all state and federal quality standards,” the statement continued. “Indiana American Water has already adjusted treatment processes and is conducting additional testing while closely monitoring conditions to improve taste and odor.”
Indiana American Water’s Statement
In a Facebook post, Indiana American Water published a statement.
“Some customers in Muncie may notice an earthy or musty taste or odor in their water. This is most often caused by naturally occurring compounds related to the environment and algae activity in surface water sources like Prairie Creek Reservoir.
The water continues to meet all state and federal standards.
Indiana American Water has already began adjusting its water treatment process to address the issue and is conducting additional water sampling to guide next steps and improve current water quality.
The issue appears to be related to natural conditions at Prairie Creek Reservoir. After heavy rainfall, water flowing into the White River can bring naturally occurring material that affects taste and smell. Also, as temperatures rise, the reservoir may naturally turn over, bringing water from the bottom of the lake to the surface. That deeper water has lower oxygen levels and can release earthy smelling compounds.
For general information please see our fact sheet on ‘Tap Water’s Taste and Smell’ https://ow.ly/5FyK50YFgKe”-Indiana American Water, Water Utility for Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University’s Statement
In a Facebook repost of Indiana American Water’s statement, Ball State University noted the water on campus is safe.
“Ball State University's Facilities Planning and Management leadership has spoken directly to city officials, and we have confirmed that water consumption on campus remains safe,” the post read.