What is the LEAP district plan involving Eagle Creek?

The LEAP district plan involves shipping up to 25 million gallons of water daily from sources like Eagle Creek Reservoir to Lebanon Utilities, which will then sell it to LEAP tenants before treating wastewater and discharging it back into Eagle Creek.

Why are there concerns about the Eagle Creek water plan?

Concerns include the potential impact of wastewater discharge on the reservoir's health, transparency in the project's development, and whether cost-saving measures led to choosing Eagle Creek as a discharge site.

What role does the Indianapolis City-County Council play?

The Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council is scrutinizing the plan, questioning officials and advocates, and aiming to influence policy and stakeholder engagement to address constituents' concerns.

Home / Environment / Eagle Creek Water Plan Sparks Council Debate

Eagle Creek Water Plan Sparks Council Debate

6 Feb

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Summary

Councilors question state water plan impacting Eagle Creek reservoir.
Plan to ship 25 million gallons daily to LEAP district.
Concerns raised about wastewater discharge and water quality.

Eagle Creek Water Plan Sparks Council Debate

The Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council is actively scrutinizing a controversial state plan to ship water from Eagle Creek Reservoir to the LEAP district in Boone County. Concerns center on the potential impact of this billion-dollar project on the reservoir's ecological health, particularly regarding wastewater discharge. Officials and advocates questioned the environmental review's rigor and transparency during a lengthy Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on February 5, 2026.

The proposed plan involves Lebanon Utilities transporting up to 25 million gallons of water daily from Central Indiana sources, including Eagle Creek. This water would be sold to LEAP district tenants like Meta and Eli Lilly and Co. Lebanon Utilities would then treat the wastewater and discharge it back into Eagle Creek, approximately 16 miles southeast of Lebanon. This approach was spearheaded by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and financed by the Indiana Finance Authority.