Indianapolis, December 2, 2025
Citizens Energy Group plans to enhance water withdrawals from the Eagle Creek Reservoir, aiming to provide Lebanon Utilities with 25 million gallons of water daily by 2031. This initiative seeks to support the growing LEAP district and the city of Lebanon, though it has raised environmental concerns regarding the reservoir’s ecosystem. State Senator J.D. Ford has urged for increased transparency in managing this valuable resource, stressing the need for sustainable practices to protect both the community’s needs and the environment.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Citizens Energy Group is set to increase its water withdrawals from the Eagle Creek Reservoir to cater to the LEAP district and the city of Lebanon. This initiative plans to provide Lebanon Utilities with a robust 25 million gallons of water daily by the year 2031, thereby leveraging resources from Indianapolis’ existing water supply.
The Eagle Creek Reservoir, renowned for its scenic beauty and ecological significance, contains approximately 8 billion gallons of water. However, this ambitious project has raised concerns among local residents and environmental groups regarding the potential impact on the reservoir’s ecosystem. Experts are warning that increased extraction could disrupt activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, which are beloved by the community.
State Senator J.D. Ford has advocated for enhanced transparency from Citizens Energy Group and Lebanon Utilities concerning this water transfer plan. He underscored the importance of strategic water management, asserting that while electricity can be generated, water remains a finite and incredibly valuable resource. As such, careful management is essential to protect both the needs of the growing community and the ecosystem.
In addressing these environmental concerns, Citizens Energy Group has affirmed its commitment to supply 25 million gallons of water daily to Lebanon Utilities as part of the Lebanon Water Supply Program. The organization states that this plan has been thoroughly evaluated within its annual strategic water resource planning process, aimed at ensuring sustainability while meeting the needs of the community.
The proposed water transfer aligns with broader objectives to support the LEAP district, a planned development initiative in Lebanon, Indiana, focused on facilitating growth and infrastructure needs. As the project advances, stakeholders remain vigilant regarding its ecological impact and emphasize the importance of sustainable water management practices to safeguard the health of the Eagle Creek Reservoir and surrounding ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of Citizens Energy Group’s plan?
Citizens Energy Group plans to increase water withdrawals from the Eagle Creek Reservoir to supply the LEAP district and the city of Lebanon, aiming to provide 25 million gallons of water daily to Lebanon Utilities by 2031.
What are the concerns raised by local residents and environmental groups?
Local residents and environmental groups are concerned that increased water extraction from the Eagle Creek Reservoir could negatively impact the reservoir’s ecosystem, affecting activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
What has State Senator J.D. Ford said about the plan?
State Senator J.D. Ford has called for greater transparency from Citizens Energy Group and Lebanon Utilities regarding the specifics of the water transfer plan, emphasizing the importance of strategic water management.
How has Citizens Energy Group responded to these concerns?
Citizens Energy Group has committed to providing 25 million gallons of water daily to Lebanon Utilities by 2031 as part of the Lebanon Water Supply Program and asserts that the plan has undergone thorough evaluation within its annual strategic water resource planning process.
What is the LEAP district?
The LEAP district is a planned development in Lebanon, Indiana, aiming to support the district’s growth and infrastructure needs.
Key Features of the Water Transfer Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Source | Eagle Creek Reservoir |
| Daily Water Supply | 25 million gallons to Lebanon Utilities by 2031 |
| Purpose | Support the LEAP district and city of Lebanon’s water needs |
| Environmental Concerns | Potential impact on Eagle Creek Reservoir’s ecosystem |
| Regulatory Oversight | Plan evaluated within Citizens Energy Group’s annual strategic water resource planning process |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
