By State Senator Jim Merritt
Water is life. Although the Earth is covered by water, less than 1% is readily available for use. As a resource, water is fixed, yet renewable. More importantly, there is no substitute for water. It is critical to cultural and economic development – especially within Indiana.
I consider water to be critical knowing that our beautiful Geist Reservoir is not merely a cultural resource, but also an engine of economic development for central Indiana.
Not a day goes by that we read about crisis upon crisis regarding: mismanaged water utilities, cities running out of water, droughts in California and Texas, water pipes breaking and leaking thousands of gallons of water, fights within and between states over who owns and regulates water, over-pumping of ground water supplies, exorbitant water rate increases, unregulated water contaminants, and unpermitted discharges of untreated wastewater into rivers and streams – a chief source of water supply to communities.
It is time for Indiana to take a leadership role on water. As your State Senator and Chair of the Senate Utilities Committee, I have been working proactively on solutions address Indiana’s current and future needs for an abundant, safe, and affordable supply of water. Here are my recommendations:
First, Indiana needs a comprehensive, long-term water resources plan. The last time Indiana prepared a water resource plan was nearly 35 years ago. This year I supported SB 271. SB 271 calls for a summer study committee to further investigate the need for a long-term water resources plan for Indiana.
Second, to fairly and consistently develop solutions for Indiana’s water resource needs, I support the creation of a non-partisan water “think-tank.” SB 271 calls for the summer study committee to address this need.
Third, I support my colleague, Senator Ed Charbonneau, and his call for the Governor to convene a water symposium. We need to bring together a group of bright minds to debate and discuss water resource issues as we plan for the future.
Fourth, Indiana needs to “go on offense” with its water resources. Through the long-term water resources plan, Indiana needs to address how it will promote its abundant water resources to attract new economic development opportunities. This would include the research and development of innovative technology for use within the water sector.
Finally, we have an aging workforce. The water sector is not immune to this fact. We need to address leadership and workforce development within the water sector to ensure our water utilities continue to be managed properly.
