Citizens Water Has Robust Regional Water System, Already Serves Portions of Boone County
INDIANAPOLIS – Citizens Water is in discussions with the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) and Lebanon Utilities regarding the possibility of providing additional water supply to support regional growth.
Beginning in March 2022, the State approached Citizens Energy Group regarding the need for a reliable water supply for the LEAP District beginning in 2026. Since then, IFA and Lebanon Utilities have continued discussions with Citizens Energy Group regarding the possibility of Citizens Water providing additional water supply to Lebanon Utilities. The State is now seeking up to 25 million gallons of water per day (MGD) from Citizens Water.
Citizens Water’s system is composed of 10 water treatment plants along with water resources including the White River, Fall Creek, four reservoirs (Eagle Creek, Geist, Citizens, and Morse), and groundwater wells. Citizens Water would not tap water from other utilities to sell to Lebanon Utilities; Lebanon Utilities would be a wholesale customer of Citizens Water much like other communities in Central Indiana.
Additionally, because Citizens Water already serves portions of Boone County, a long-haul pipeline is not needed. Citizens Water’s current maximum capacity is 256 MGD. With the addition of service to Lebanon Utilities, the regional water supply system capacity would be expanded to nearly 300 MGD. Construction would last approximately six years, with interim water-delivery milestones along the way.
At this point, final project cost has not been determined nor has funding been approved. That said, Citizens Energy Group is committed to protecting current customers from bearing any costs associated with this project.
Citizens Energy Group President & CEO Jeffrey Harrison said, “We at Citizens Energy Group recognize the complexity of this project. Thanks to Citizens Water’s forward-thinking approach to water supply planning, the utility is well-positioned to meet current customers’ water demand now and in the future. The 25 MGD being proposed for Lebanon would not impact the ability of Citizens Water to serve existing customers in Marion County, Hamilton County, or other regional wholesale customers, even in times of drought. Furthermore, Citizens Water routinely considers the 25- and 50-year water needs of Central Indiana, which includes thinking collaboratively with surrounding communities about regional water needs, and this is simply an extension of that process.”
Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry said, “Finding a solution to meet the long-term water needs of our city has been at the top of my priority list since the beginning of my time as Mayor. I am pleased with how the City’s conversations with Citizens Water have gone so far, and I look forward to working with them as the process continues to move forward.”
About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.
Media Contact Information
Laura O'Brien
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com