Indianapolis officials are preparing to negotiate a long-term agreement with Citizens Energy Group over water management at Eagle Creek Reservoir. In the meantime, the Board of Public Works extended the current 50-year contract for a year with annual renewals through 2031.

Conservation Concerns

Conservationists and residents living near Eagle Creek Park worry about excessive withdrawals from the reservoir. The current contract allows Citizens Energy to withdraw a maximum of 19.8 million gallons of water per day from the reservoir. With projects like the LEAP district in Boone County tapping into the reservoir’s water, there are concerns about the biological integrity of the reservoir and the impact on fish and birds that depend on it.

Lou Ann Baker, who lives near the park and is a member of the Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee, told the board she is grateful the city is taking its time with a new deal and is gathering more information. The contract should also spell out what happens if Indianapolis is under water-use restrictions in times of drought.

Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.