Home / Environment / Water Wars: Indy Council Fights for Reservoir
Water Wars: Indy Council Fights for Reservoir
2 Apr
Summary
- Council seeks protections for residents and environment near Eagle Creek Reservoir.
- Lebanon plans to draw water for a Meta data center and Eli Lilly facilities.
- An agreement expiration provides leverage to address water concerns.
Marion County's City-County Council has put forth a proposal to safeguard Eagle Creek Park Reservoir, with all but four members supporting the initiative. This comes as Lebanon plans to draw significant water for its Limitless Exploration and Advanced Pace (LEAP) research district, which includes facilities for Meta and Eli Lilly and Co.
The council's statement highlights an urgent need for enforceable protections for residents and the environment. Concerns include the county's water supply, the discharge of treated wastewater into the reservoir, and the potential seizure of city-owned land for out-of-county use. The current agreement with Citizens Energy Group, which began in 1971, is nearing expiration, creating leverage for the council to negotiate stronger terms.
Councilor Dan Boots emphasized that any renewed agreement must prioritize environmental health and resident safety, ensuring any returned water is clean and tested. While the council's proposal is primarily a gesture of support as they do not hold ultimate decision-making power, it represents a bipartisan plea to protect this vital local resource.
