Citizens Water is currently in discussions with Lebanon Utilities and the Indiana Finance Authority to provide additional water supplies to the growing region.

As of March 2022, the state contacted the utility about the need for a reliable water supply for the LEAP district in Lebanon, a 9,000-acre sustainable community with advanced manufacturing, mixed-use and corporate campus space along the Hard Tech Corridor of I-65.

Since then, the state has continued talks and is now demanding up to 25 million gallons of water per day from the company, which already serves parts of Boone County. Citizens consists of 10 water treatment plants and resources, but would not tap those resources to sell to Lebanon Utilities.

Construction to increase Citizens’ maximum capacity would take about six years, but the final project or financing has not yet been approved. Citizens Energy Group said in a statement that it would work to protect current customers from the costs associated with this project.

Citizens Energy Group President and CEO Jeffrey Harrison said in a statement:

“We at Citizens Energy Group understand the complexity of this project. Thanks to Citizens Water’s forward-thinking approach to water supply planning, the utility is well positioned to meet the water needs of its current customers now and in the future. The 25 MGD proposed for Lebanon would not impact the utility’s ability to serve existing customers in Marion County, Hamilton County or other regional wholesale customers, even during times of drought. In addition, Citizens Water regularly considers Central Indiana’s water needs for the next 25 and 50 years, which includes joint consideration with surrounding communities on regional water needs, and this is simply an extension of that process.”

For more information, visit citizensenergygroup.com.

Indiana Water Summit reveals crucial insights about the future – Indianapolis Recorder

Contact health and environment reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.