Indiana Officials Shut 2 Wells After Toxic Chemicals Found

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) — Officials in a southern Indiana city have shut down two water wells after testing found the presence of a toxic chemical.

The (Columbus) Republic reports the wells near the East Fork of the White River were taken offline after a dioxane was detected.

Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop and city utilities director Keith Reeves said Tuesday that Columbus city water is safe to drink and meets Indiana standards.

The source of the chemical, which has industrial and commercial uses, isn't known.

There are now three city wells offline, including one at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds that was taken out of service in June after it tested positive for E. coli contamination. Columbus City Utilities says that well remains offline for disinfection and monitoring.

Tags:White River Columbus water Bartholomew County

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Kamala Harris hits campaign trail with speech in Indianapolis at national sorority gathering

Indiana was one of the first stops for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. At the sold-out event Harris told the crowd that voters will have a choice between two different visions of America.

Public Affairs / July 14, 2024

The Secret Service is investigating how a gunman who shot and injured Trump was able to get so close

The U.S. Secret Service is investigating how a gunman armed with an AR-style rifle was able to get close enough to shoot and injure former President Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

Public Affairs / July 2, 2024

GOP US Rep. Spartz, of Indiana, charged with bringing gun through airport security, officials say

Authorities say Indiana Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz has been charged with bringing a firearm through airport security. Airport officials said Monday she was charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Spartz's office says she was traveling to Europe and mistakenly carried an unloaded handgun in the pocket of her suitcase while going through security at Washington Dulles International Airport. Spartz is a staunch Second Amendment Republican representing central Indiana. She won her primary in May after saying last year that she would retire from congress. The charge carries up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted.