Source Water Protection Planning
Source Water Protection (SWP) in Indiana is a proactive approach to safeguarding the quality of drinking water at its source—whether from surface water bodies like rivers and lakes or underground aquifers. Protecting these sources is essential for ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water supplies for communities across the state.
In Indiana, SWP efforts are guided by federal regulations, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act, and state programs administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Local governments, water utilities, and communities play a critical role in these efforts by creating ordinances, forming protection plans, and collaborating with local, state, and federal partners.
Why Source Water Protection Matters
- Ensures safe drinking water now and for future generations.
- Reduces treatment costs by preventing contamination at the source.
- Helps water systems meet regulatory requirements and avoid violations.
- Unlocks funding opportunities by linking SWP with conservation efforts.
Wellhead Protection Plans – Phases and Requirements
Indiana’s Wellhead Protection (WHP) Program requires public water systems using groundwater to develop and maintain plans to protect drinking water supplies from contamination. These plans are completed in three key stages:
- Phase I – Initial Wellhead Protection Plan
- Delineate the Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)
- Identify Potential Contaminant Sources (PCSs)
- Establish a Local Planning Team
- Develop a Management Plan
- Create an Emergency Contingency Plan
- Phase II – Implementation & Community Engagement
- Implement management strategies to protect drinking water sources
- Conduct outreach and education efforts
- Provide emergency responder training
- Phase II Updates – Every Five Years
- Review and update WHP plans to reflect changes in land use, contamination risks, and protection strategies
- Continue public education and local engagement
- Maintain emergency preparedness measures
Important Links for Source Water Protection in Indiana
State Resources
- IDEM Wellhead Protection Program: https://www.in.gov/idem/cleanwater/information-about/groundwater-monitoring-and-source-water-protection/wellhead-protection-program/
- IDEM Wellhead Protection Guidance Document: https://www.in.gov/idem/cleanwater/files/wellhead_protection_guidance.pdf
- IndianaMap – Indiana’s Geospatial Open Data Portal: https://www.indianamap.org/
Federal Resources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Source Water Protection Program
https://www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection - EPA Drinking Water Mapping Application to Protect Source Waters (DWMAPS)
https://www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/drinking-water-mapping-application-protect-source-waters-dwmaps - Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Overview
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa
These resources provide guidance and technical tools to support source water protection efforts in Indiana, helping communities secure clean and reliable drinking water for future generations.
Indiana Water Quality & Conservation
Water Quality Reports and Studies:
- Indiana Chamber Water Policy and Planning in Indiana: An evaluation of Indiana’s water availability, infrastructure, and future supply challenges, providing recommendations for sustainable water management and policy improvements.
- Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) Regional Water Studies: Assessments of water supply and demand across different regions of the state, aiding communities in long-term water resource planning.
- IndianaMap: A comprehensive geospatial resource providing interactive maps and downloadable GIS data for water resources, wellhead protection areas, watershed boundaries, and land use planning.
- IDEM Online e303(d) Tool: An interactive tool for viewing Indiana’s list of impaired waters under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.
- Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center: US Geological Survey (USGS) data and research on groundwater levels, streamflow, and water quality trends across Indiana.
- Statewide Groundwater Monitoring Network: IDEM’s monitoring program to assess groundwater quality and trends across Indiana.
- White River Report Card: A stakeholder-developed assessment tool measuring the health of the White River watershed, focusing on water quality, land use, and community engagement.
Conservation Initiatives and Resources:
- Clear Choices Clean Water: An award-winning program designed to increase awareness about the impact of daily choices on waterways, encouraging individuals to adopt water-friendly practices.
- Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD): A statewide association empowering districts to conserve Indiana's natural resources through various programs and resources.
- Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP): A coalition of eight agencies and organizations working together to provide technical, financial, and educational assistance for conservation efforts across Indiana, focusing on soil health, water quality, and sustainable land management.
- Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) – Soil Conservation: Provides leadership and funding to support conservation practices that improve water quality, soil health, and sustainable agriculture in Indiana. Works closely with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and other partners to implement conservation programs statewide.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Indiana: Provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices addressing natural resource concerns.