Heavy rains over the weekend caused the bridge on Hazell Dell Parkway in Carmel to collapse, sending floodwater into a Martin Marietta quarry. City officials warned that if the quarry banks fail, the White River could be diverted into the quarry, overflow, and potentially damage a nearby wastewater main. That scenario could release millions of gallons of raw sewage into the river, carrying E. coli, salmonella and other harmful bacteria downstream toward Indianapolis.
Citizens Energy’s emergency plan
Citizens Energy Group, the utility that provides drinking water and wastewater services for Indianapolis, says it is fully equipped to handle such an event. Ben Easley, the company’s corporate and public affairs coordinator, told the outlet that the utility would increase upstream monitoring of the White River and adjust treatment processes as needed to keep finished water safe under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Citizens operates ten wastewater‑treatment plants throughout the city and uses both chlorine and ultraviolet light disinfection, methods proven to kill disease‑causing microorganisms. The utility also maintains emergency‑management plans that can be activated when heavy rain threatens critical infrastructure.
Coordination with local agencies
When severe weather is forecast, Citizens works closely with Marion County emergency managers and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW). DPW crews have been placing barriers, managing traffic, and inspecting infrastructure for blockages or breaks. In recent days the department closed the water intake to the Central Canal in Broad Ripple as a flood‑protection measure. Citizens responded by shifting its White River Water Treatment Plant intake to an alternative location near 30th Street.
Citizens also has contracts to respond to issues in the city’s separate storm‑water system. The utility’s teams are on standby to address road damage, underground‑line failures, and any sewage backups that could result from legacy sewer designs not built for the volume of stormwater experienced this year.
What the DigIndy tunnel does – and does not do
Some residents have asked whether the $2 billion DigIndy Tunnel System, which began operation in October 2023, can prevent flooding. Officials clarified that the tunnel was designed to capture and treat sewer overflows, not to reduce floodwater levels. The tunnel now handles nearly 10 billion gallons of wastewater, helping improve water quality in the White River, but it does not protect against a potential failure of the Carmel sewer main.
Public‑water safety and conservation
Citizens emphasized that its drinking water supply remains safe, and no boil‑water advisories have been issued. The utility encourages residents to conserve water, noting that excessive lawn‑watering and other non‑essential uses can strain the system during emergencies.
Marion County residents who notice high water levels, blockages, or other concerns are urged to call Citizens Energy at 317‑924‑3311. For additional water‑conservation tips, the company points users to its WaterWise website.
Looking ahead
While crews continue to stabilize the quarry banks in Carmel, officials say the situation remains fluid. Citizens Energy’s preparedness measures, combined with ongoing coordination with local emergency managers, aim to protect Indianapolis’ water supply and public health should raw sewage reach the White River.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
