Two recently published water studies from Indiana predict that supply will continue to outpace demand for the vital resource in coming decades. The state’s largest river, the Wabash River, forms the core of the study and stretches from Ohio to Illinois before merging with the Ohio River in Indiana’s southwestern corner.
With recent increasing drivers for economic development, Indiana is rapidly approaching a crossroads in water management. While multiple risks could threaten water availability and suitability into the future, numerous opportunities exist to more effectively manage and protect the region’s finite water resources.
The reports come amidst ongoing pushback to the LEAP district in Lebanon, pitched by state leaders as a sort of technology park and future industry location for various companies. The largest announced tenant at the Boone County site is Eli Lilly, which will be investing over $13 billion in research and manufacturing projects.
Lawmakers and groups have expressed concerns that the area didn’t have enough water to attract high-consumption businesses, such as data centers. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. previously oversaw the water studies before they were moved to the Indiana Finance Authority.
The two water studies focused on a section of north central Indiana and the headwaters of the Wabash River, breaking down units into a “subbasin” scale while acknowledging boundaries such as county borders.
Analysts treated water withdrawals measured between 1985 and 2022 as equivalent to water demand, measuring those withdrawals using information from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Categories included water pulled for the public supply, for industrial or energy purposes, for agriculture or livestock, as well as residential wells.
To forecast future water needs, the water studies compared historical use to economic and climate variables, conscious that ongoing climate change might change such assumptions. The Wabash River provides water for more than 400,000 people, with over 70% of the supply coming from groundwater. Water demand is forecasted to “modestly” increase by roughly 10% by 2070.
Reference News :- New water studies document ample water supply but advise protective measures
