Indiana Officials Shut 2 Wells After Toxic Chemicals Found

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.