Indianola Water Supply

GENERAL INFO: Municipal water, including bottled water, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants or potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants—may face increased risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding safe water consumption.

LEAD ADVISORY: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health complications, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters drinking water through materials associated with service lines and home plumbing. While Indianola Municipal Utilities provides quality water, we cannot control plumbing component materials. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water after periods of non-use. For concerns about lead, consider water testing. Information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

FLUORIDE INFORMATION: Fluoride at approximately 1 mg/L reduces dental cavities. However, levels exceeding 2.0 mg/L may cause dental fluorosis in children—appearing as brown discoloration or pitting of permanent teeth. Since fluorosis only affects developing teeth, households without children under nine aren't typically affected. Alternative water sources or treatment options are available for concerned families.

MONITORING VIOLATIONS: In September 2018, IMU's water department failed to monitor for Nitrogen-Ammonia (as N). Any adverse health effects remain unknown. Monitoring procedures have been corrected to prevent future violations.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT: Indianola Municipal Utilities sources water from the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer's sandstone and dolomite formations. This aquifer has low contamination susceptibility due to natural protective characteristics. A detailed evaluation is available from Indianola Municipal Utilities at 515-961-9444, ext. 5330.

IMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Indianola Municipal Utilities is governed by a five-member board appointed by the Mayor. Water system decisions occur at meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays monthly at 5:30 p.m. at city hall (110 North 1st Street). Meetings are open to the public and viewable online at www.i-m-u.com. Current board members include Deb White, Rick McClymond, Adam Voigts, Mike Rozga and Lesley Forbush.

CONTACT INFORMATION: For questions about this report or general inquiries about Indianola's water system, please contact IMU Water Superintendent, Lou Elbert.

.. ...