St. Louis Park to shut down water treatment plant

ST LOUIS, MN, DECEMBER 21, 2016 -- This week, the St. Louis Park City Council voted to shut down a water treatment plant to allow for necessary plant upgrades after "uncomfortable" levels of contaminates were found in the water. Renovations are estimated at $4.5M, according to the Star Tribune.

Although water from the plant is considered safe to drink, concerned residents put pressure on elected officials to do something about plant following results of water testing; showing high levels of two volatile organic compounds — vinyl chloride and 1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), a toxic cleaning solvent. Both chemicals were found in volumes higher than state limits allow.

The closure of the plant will not affect water supply in the area, according to officials, who say they will purchase water from nearby communities if necessary.

Read more here.