The Price of Silence: How Alexandria Indiana Water Became a Symbol of Neglect

When Alexandria, Indiana residents first began reporting concerns about the water, many hoped it was a minor issue—perhaps aging pipes or a temporary glitch in the treatment system. But what followed has revealed far more than a technical malfunction. With confirmed E. coli contamination, near-zero chlorine levels, and a child hospitalized, the town’s water crisis has become a sobering case study in governmental failure. As citizens dig deeper, some are starting to wonder whether Alexandria Indiana Water might offer the missing pieces in a puzzle that now includes both health risks and fiscal irregularities.

The public’s alarm spiked in late July when a video surfaced showing an IDEM official measuring a chlorine level of just 0.09 ppm in a residence previously affected by E. coli. That reading was shockingly below the state-mandated minimum of 0.2 ppm—levels necessary to neutralize dangerous microbes. Independent tests by residents had already found readings as low as 0.029 ppm. In one heartbreaking development, a child in the community was hospitalized, allegedly due to waterborne exposure.

Despite this, Mayor Todd Naselroad held a press conference on July 25 declaring the water “safe and drinkable.” That statement—contradicted by both citizen data and state agency findings—ignited fury among residents.

At the forefront of the response is the Concerned Citizens of Alexandria, a growing coalition demanding change. On July 30, they issued a press release detailing their demands:

• Immediate public access to all water quality testing records

• A full audit by the Indiana State Board of Accounts

• Resignation or restructuring of leadership in the Alexandria Indiana Water Department

But the water itself is only half the story. The group’s investigation also revealed that while the city spent $1.05 million on a water infrastructure project, it somehow racked up over $2.3 million in associated “planning and oversight” costs. These expenses were divided among departments—including sewer, stormwater, and road funds—in a move that some allege was designed to obscure true spending.

“This isn’t just about what’s in the pipes—it’s about what’s in the books,” said one resident during a recent public forum. “Our money is being spent, and we’re getting sick.”

The community has not been idle. Citizen-led testing continues, with residents uploading videos, photos, and documentation online. Local churches and volunteer organizations are distributing bottled water and assisting elderly or immunocompromised neighbors. Meanwhile, public trust in city hall continues to erode.

The city government has offered little in response. Requests for documents have gone unanswered, and officials have remained largely silent except for their initial statements. As public pressure builds, Alexandria residents are preparing for legal challenges, formal petitions, and—if needed—a complete overhaul of their local leadership.

The situation in Alexandria is no longer an isolated incident. It is a warning. A reminder that public health depends not just on infrastructure, but on transparency, accountability, and swift action.

Until those values are restored, Alexandria Indiana Water will remain under a cloud of suspicion—and a symbol of what happens when silence replaces service.