Water Resources

Our Goal

Indiana is fortunate to have an abundant water supply – a resource that enhances our quality of life through recreational opportunities, that drives economic growth, and that ensures a reliable source of drinking water for Hoosiers.

However, Indiana lacks a comprehensive plan to ensure our water is clean and plentiful for the future. Today, Indiana ranks #33 of 50 in water quality and dead last in pollution. A majority of Indiana’s streams and rivers are so polluted that they are unsafe for recreation or other activities and fish caught in them are unsuitable for consumption.

This is an opportunity for Hoosiers to take action. We must urge our government to take responsibility for our waters and develop a state water resource plan.

We are working with stakeholders and advancing policies to:

  • Conserve water
  • Promote responsible business practices
  • Reduce pollution
  • Clean our waterways
  • Steward our waters
photo of Indiana wetlands provided by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Indiana’s Polluted Wetlands: Overlooked, Underserved, and Unprecedented

Indiana Wetlands in Crisis Indiana’s wetlands are facing a pollution crisis that’s unprecedented in scope and urgency. Our wetlands and natural resources that play critical roles in our state’s environmental [...]

Take the Pledge for Clean Water in Indiana

Hoosiers deserve clean water, from our tap water to recreational waterways. We believe that everyone has a right to access clean water free of pollutants, chemicals, lead, microplastics, to [...]

More on Water Resources

Read the most recent blog posts on water resources or check out the resources below!

Resources

The Collective Tap

The White River Alliance’s podcast where experts discuss how we interact with Indiana’s water resources and risks, opportunities, and paths forward to protect our waters.

IDOH Fish Consumption Guidelines

The Indiana Department of Health updates a map of water bodies that contain pollutants at a level that makes fish unsafe to eat. Check their guidelines and this interactive map before you go fishing to be sure the fish you catch are safe for consumption.

IDEM’s Impaired Waters Map

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s interactive map of impaired (unsafe) waters statewide, including why each waterway was listed as impaired.

The Clean Water Act at 50

A 2022 examination by the Environmental Integrity Project of the condition of waters in each state. Indiana may be found on page 33.

ICC Water Study

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce released a 2024 study that examines the availability of water in the state and identifies needs to ensure environmental and economic sustainability.

Water and Quality of Life in Indiana

The Conservation Law Center and INTERA, Inc published an examination of the state of Indiana’s water quality and quantity, with recommendations for legislative action to reach the goal of a clean and abundant water supply.

Clean Water Indiana

This program provides funding assistance to landowners and conservation groups to complete conservation programs including informational workshops, invasives removals, pollinator habitat installations, cover crop incentives, and more. Anyone can apply for CWI funding, from rural, suburban, and urban areas.