John Ruckelshaus proposes state ‘Water Czar’ to safeguard Indiana’s water future

By JOHN RUCKELSHAUS
Guest Columnist

Water is one of Indiana’s most precious resources. We need to nurture and protect our state’s water system, not just for today, but for generations to come. Having grown up on the Eagle Creek Reservoir, I have a deep, personal connection to our local waters. I know firsthand how vital these resources are to our communities, our wildlife, and our way of life.

The current water issue at Eagle Creek, however, is not unique around the state. It is a symptom of a much larger, systemic problem that demands immediate and decisive action.

The controversy surrounding the Boone County LEAP Innovation District project has exposed significant gaps in Indiana’s water-rights laws. Currently, our state lacks a formal framework for assessing large-scale water withdrawals. This regulatory void leaves state leaders to manage our most critical resource through a patchwork of quasi-governmental agencies, such as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA), and other agencies. This approach is unsustainable and inefficient. We cannot continue to view water merely as a tool for near-term, opportunistic economic development.

Citizens, industry, and agriculture all need water. Therefore, it is in everyone’s best interest to have one point person who can constantly monitor our state’s reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams, and underground sources of water. We need a centralized regulatory authority – a Water Czar – to oversee and protect our water resources comprehensively.

The Office of the Water Czar would be appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Legislative Council, ensuring bipartisan oversight from leadership in both chambers. Operating under the umbrella of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) and funded through the state’s general fund, this office would serve as the ultimate guardian of Indiana’s water.

This role would encompass several critical responsibilities. First and foremost, the Water Czar would oversee a stringent permitting process for any entity seeking to withdraw massive amounts of water – such as more than 10 million gallons per day – to be transported across watersheds.

Furthermore, the office would focus on long-term strategic planning, balancing the needs of high-tech manufacturing with the essential requirements of manufacturing, farming, and pharmaceuticals across all 92 counties. The Water Czar would also manage concerns regarding wastewater and environmental impact, ensuring that any water reintroduced into our systems meets Clean Water Act standards and does not degrade local ecosystems.

Crucially, this office would mandate public engagement. It would provide a much-needed forum for public input – something critics rightly claim the IEDC currently lacks – by hosting public hearings and ensuring genuine collaboration between state and local governments. This office will be a direct contact point for citizens to log complaints, seek clarification, and ensure that all rules and laws are being enforced.

Where agreements are made between stakeholders and water systems, this office will ensure that promises made will be promises kept. We cannot afford to gamble with our water. It is time for Indiana to establish a Water Czar to protect our citizens, our environment, and our future.

John Ruckelshaus is a former Indiana State Senator who is running in the Republican primary for a seat to represent Indiana Senate District 29.