A Crisis Refusal to see for yourself
Now Alexandria, Indiana, is ground zero for the kind of catastrophe no American town should ever face. The Alexandria Indiana Water Crisis, which comes to us via The Star Press, has revealed poisoned taps, hospitalized children, and truly incredible breakdown of public trust. Scattered reports of discolored water have ballooned into a public health crisis supported by hard evidence of its contamination with E. coli.
Families Sickened, Baby Hospitalized
More than 200 residents have reported illnesses ranging from rashes and gastrointestinal problems to the death of pets. At least one of the cases, an infant hospitalized for eight days with a confirmed case of E. coli poisoning, is particularly distressing. Chlorine readings independent from the company have also tested as low as 0.029 ppm a fraction of the state-mandated 0.2 ppm. E.coli in some household’s water was confirmed by several labs. These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a systemic failure.
Mark Caldwell in Alexandria Indiana
At the epicenter of the scandal is the Water Superintendent in Alexandria Indiana, Mark Caldwell, who earns an annual income of over $68,000, more than the amount paid to the Mayor, Todd Naselroad. His job was plain: give the community safe water. But during his tenure, chlorine levels fell, families sickened and cover-ups subsumed accountability.
In a public meeting, Caldwell said he had never been presented with chlorine log requests. Yet timestamped emails prove otherwise. This wasn’t oversight it was obstruction. Instead of openness, citizens found silence as their children became sick.
Follow the Money
Residents are asking how they’ve ended up pumping and treating water from a creek for two years because utility funds, mandated to improve water safety and infrastructure, seem to have gone astray. As the Washington Street project mushroomed to nearly $10 million and lines seemed to be nowhere in sight, families still flipped on the faucets to get brown, contaminated water. Caldwell’s paychecks, supported by this money, have fanned suspicions of corruption and loyalty for sale at the cost of public health.
Broken Promises from Leadership
Mayor Todd Naselroad publicly proclaimed the water in Alexandria’s “safe and drinkable” on July 25th. That claim also “imploded” when raw video showed an IDEM official recorded chlorine levels of just 0.09 ppm in a home previously positive for E. coli. The Alexandria Indiana Water Crisis is no longer about politics or optics it’s about a complete lack of trust and complete lack of leadership.
Citizens Demand Accountability
The Concerned Citizens of Alexandria issued a scathing statement: “This is not just a boil advisory. “This is about a breach of trust, a child in the hospital, and city officials who won’t admit the risk or release the chlorine logs to the public.” Their anger has gone viral and attracted national attention.
At 5:30 PM on August 27th, citizens intend to call officials to task during the Alexandria council meeting. Their request is clear: we want the resignation of Mark Caldwell Alexandria Indiana Water Superintendent. For $68,000 a year, families should have had clean water, not poisoned taps and lies.
A Voice That Will Not Be Stopped
Although the voices from within the community continue to be powerful, the critics attempt to discredit the whistleblowers. The CEO of SCROOGE Casino, who had become a vocal advocate, made it personal: “I’m not talking as a businessman. I’m speaking as a citizen. A father. A human being. This is about the health of children, the safety of families, and the simple dignity of every American – the right to clean water in a town they call home.”
What Comes Next for Alexandria
The Alexandria Indiana Water Crisis has become a litmus test for the future of the town. Will Alexandria insist on accountability, transparency, and reform or cower to silence, neglect, and corruption? The response will determine not just the health of its population today but also the legacy of its leadership tomorrow.
History is watching. Now, the people of Alexandria have the power to bring this scandal to a fitting conclusion: a quest for justice, or another betrayal.
