Clean, uncontaminated water is essential to all forms of life.
However, most of Indiana’s waterways struggle with sediment runoff, excess nutrients such as phosphorus, and even infectious bacteria such as E. coli. HEC is working to protect Indiana’s water resources by focusing on the greatest threats to Indiana’s drinking water, rivers and lakes.
The Issue
Indiana faces many challenges to water quality: nutrient pollution, manure runoff, excess sediment, inadequate sewage treatment, industrial contamination, and loss of wetlands.
Where does our drinking water come from?
Challenges to the state’s water quality are also challenges to drinking water safety. Approximately 75% of Hoosiers get their drinking water from a public drinking water system. The other 25% use their own wells. Well owners are responsible for the safety of their water and should test it regularly. Our public drinking water systems source their water from Indiana’s rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater so they are sensitive to pollution problems. In a 2015 survey, 80% of Indiana drinking water utilities said they had had trouble with poor quality source water.E. coli and Nutrient Pollution
Testing of water quality in lakes and rivers by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) show that our most prevalent challenge is high levels of E coli, which are bacteria from animal and human feces. IDEM estimates that the biggest sources are livestock operations and inadequate treatment of human sewage, including failing septic systems and sewage pipes that go straight to tile drains, ditches or streams.Manure and sewage also contribute to nutrient pollution, which is an excess of nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, in water. Other sources include fertilizers, soil erosion, and urban stormwater. While nitrogen and phosphorus are important components of a healthy ecosystem, there can be “too much of a good thing”. An overabundance of nutrients in rivers and lakes can lead to an overgrowth of algae and loss of other aquatic species. An overabundance in groundwater can lead to high nitrate levels in wells which can cause water-related diseases, like ‘blue baby syndrome’.
Industrial Waste
Another water quality challenge is Indiana’s long history of industries leaving behind contaminated sites and contaminated groundwater. Smaller businesses like dry cleaners and gas stations have also been a significant source of groundwater contamination. Each site of groundwater contamination reduces what can safely be used for drinking water.Wetlands
Indiana is a water-rich state and originally had wetlands covering 24% of its acreage. Wetlands can store up to 1.5 million gallons of water per acre. That storage reduces the risk of flooding. While the water is stored, wetlands purify it and allow it soak in to recharge the groundwater. Indiana has lost more than 85% of its original wetlands. As climate change brings more precipitation to Indiana, it is critical to protect the remaining wetlands. Learn more about Indiana’s Isolated Wetlands.In Indiana
1,136
of our waterways are impaired.
In Indiana
16,000
lake acres are impaired by harmful algal growth.
Indiana has lost at least
85%
of its wetlands since 1780.
Drinking Water, River and Lake Protection
Our Position
Get Involved
How to Make a Difference
Clean It Up
Every year communities and organizations across Indiana gather for river clean up events. Organize with a club or group and join in. The events are a great way to meet people, raise awareness and educate others. Plus, you’re outside enjoying time with family and friends.
Phosphorus-free Green Lawn
Go phosphorus-free. It is estimated that just one pound of phosphorus in the water will produce 500 pounds of blue-green algae. Much of the phosphorus (phosphate) you apply actually runs off the lawn before penetrating the soil. That means it gets into the lakes and streams contributing to the blue-green algae bloom and growth of other undesirable aquatic plants.