Indiana has been taking its water supply for granted, but it’s time to start taking it seriously.
That’s the message of a new report from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. It calls for the state to pay greater attention to its water resources and put someone in charge of studying them and planning for the future.
For most of the state, water always has been plentiful, but that could begin to change as population grows.
The report contains good news for northeast Indiana. By several measures, northeast Indiana enjoys some of the best groundwater resources in the state.
Our area also could see some of the fastest growth in water use over the next four decades, chiefly for irrigation of crops. The report says water use in LaGrange and Noble counties could triple by 2050.
LaGrange County ranks first in predicted growth of water use by mid-century. The report says LaGrange County now uses 10.3 billion gallons per year, with an expected growth of 23 billion gallons. The study says irrigation now makes up 82 percent of the county’s water use.
Noble County ranks sixth in expected growth. Now using 5 billion gallons per year, the county is forecast to add 10 billion gallons per year by 2050. Irrigation now makes up 72 percent of the county’s water use.
The drought of 2012 highlighted the value of irrigation to crop production, leading to the prediction of rapid growth.
The report does not raise concerns about running out of water in northeast Indiana, but it encourages keeping an eye on the situation and developing practices for wise use.
Water policy is likely to be a bigger issue in central and southern Indiana. Population growth could strain water supplies in the Indianapolis area. Southern Indiana could see pressure on water resources if the extension of Interstate 69 leads to growth.
Statewide, water should be viewed as a jobs issue, the report says.
Indiana ranks first among the states in the share of its economy — 23 percent — that depends on an abundant water supply.
“Indiana should be taking advantage of its current water supplies to help attract and retain businesses — and jobs. If we plan properly for the future, those resources will continue to be an economic advantage,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar.
While agriculture ranks as the dominant user of water in Noble and LaGrange counties, industry uses more than half of the water in DeKalb County. Agriculture and public use both approach 50 percent in Steuben County.
Currently, Indiana appears to have few or no rules about who can extract water from the ground and how much they can use. We have no single state agency in charge of water, and we’re just beginning to think about planning ahead.
The future seems certain to bring greater management of Indiana’s water. As state leaders look at rules and planning for regions that need better regulation of water resources, they should be careful not to over-regulate areas such as northeast Indiana that still have a plentiful supply.