Twin Cities Water Remains Safe After 'Sheen' On Mississippi: Officials

MINNEAPOLIS — Twin Cities drinking water remains safe after a two-mile-long "sheen" was spotted on the Mississippi River Tuesday, state officials tell Patch.

Crews deployed booms to divert the sheen away from city water intakes in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The cities also closed their water treatment facilities intakes as a precaution, MPR News reported.

While authorities gather information about the extent of the sheen and estimated volume, the substance is unknown. The Minnesota Department of Health is analyzing samples from the sheen, and results are expected early Thursday.

"We are committed to protecting Minnesotans and ensuring the safety of drinking water supplies," the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency told Patch. "The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul confirm their water remains safe to drink."

The Fridley Fire Department first reported a sheen on the river at about 1 p.m. Tuesday. The sheen was under the Highway 610 Bridge in Coon Rapids and traveled downstream, officials said.

At about 8:10 a.m. Wednesday morning, a smaller sheen was reported near the west shore of the river near West Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, according to authorities.

Agencies are investigating that sheen and if it is connected to the initial incident.

"We continue to monitor the situation and will share updated information as soon as it becomes available," the MPCA said.