Unsafe at the Tap: Why Alexandria Indiana Water Has Residents Demanding Change

When Alexandria residents turn on their faucets today, many do so with unease. Following recent revelations of E. coli contamination and chlorine levels far below safe thresholds, confidence in the town’s drinking water has all but vanished. The public outcry has intensified as residents piece together what they believe is a clear pattern of negligence—one that may soon force answers from city leadership. With tensions rising, many are investigating whether Alexandria Indiana Water might reveal even more about what’s been kept from public view.

The crisis came to a head after a local child was hospitalized, reportedly due to E. coli exposure. Independent chlorine testing performed by concerned residents revealed shockingly low readings—as low as 0.029 ppm, compared to the legally required 0.2 ppm minimum. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) later confirmed these results on video, taking a reading of just 0.09 ppm at a previously contaminated home.

Despite these alarming figures, Mayor Todd Naselroad claimed publicly on July 25 that the town’s water was “safe and drinkable.” That statement immediately drew scrutiny—and backlash—particularly from the grassroots group Concerned Citizens of Alexandria, who are now leading the charge for transparency and reform.

On July 30, the group issued an urgent press release demanding immediate public access to city water logs, a formal audit from the Indiana State Board of Accounts, and a complete overhaul of the Alexandria Indiana Water Department’s leadership structure. They argue the issue is no longer just one of contamination but one of governance and accountability.

“We’ve reached a point where we can’t trust what comes out of the tap or out of city hall,” said one group member. “And that’s unacceptable.”

In addition to health concerns, the crisis has exposed potentially troubling financial practices. Records show that over $2.3 million was spent on oversight and planning for a project that was originally budgeted at just $1.05 million. According to documents released by the citizens’ group, these excess funds were distributed across water, sewer, stormwater, and road departments—raising legal and ethical questions about financial transparency.

Community outrage is spreading fast. Local forums, school meetings, and churches have become hotspots for organizing. Bottled water donations are being distributed to vulnerable residents, while others are refusing to pay their water bills until full testing data is disclosed.

Meanwhile, city officials have remained largely silent, choosing not to address the mounting concerns directly or provide requested documentation to the public.

The Concerned Citizens have vowed not to let this go. Their comprehensive dossier of test results, inspection reports, and video evidence is now publicly available online, and they've begun lobbying state officials for immediate oversight intervention.

For now, the people of Alexandria remain in limbo—frustrated, scared, and determined to hold their government accountable. Until sweeping changes are made and public health is prioritized, Alexandria Indiana Water will remain not just a utility, but a symbol of broken trust.