Environmental and business groups are starting to sound the alarm bells on the need for comprehensive water policies in Indiana. Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Brandon Smith reports on what to expect in the upcoming session.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently released a report detailing the critical need for a state-driven water plan to identify resources and develop ways to deliver water to underserved areas. Hoosier Environmental Council executive director Jesse Kharbanda says there are plenty of ways to help serve future water needs.
“It could be through efficiencies in the system – leaks in pipes. It could be through the establishment through new water conservation programs. It could be through perhaps working with communities to create bans on watering your lawns more than 'x' times a week,” Kharbanda said.
But Senate Environmental Affairs Committee Chair Ed Charbonneau says the legislature can’t expect to solve all the problems in one session. He says a lot more data is needed first before solutions are created.
“I think one of the most significant early issues we need to deal with is educating the public on the need to get involved in water at this point,” Charbonneau said.
The legislative session begins Jan. 6.
