LAFAYETTE, Ind. (October 31, 2024) — A peer review shows predicting the sustainability of large
withdrawals from the Wabash River’s alluvial aquifers was beyond the scope of a state study
managed by Intera Incorporated. Recognizing the need for transparency and accountability, the
Greater Lafayette Water Stewardship Committee commissioned an independent review conducted
by hydrologists and engineers from Haley & Aldrich, a Boston environmental and engineering
consultancy.
The Haley & Aldrich review included interviews with Intera’s project leaders, which revealed the
study’s limited scope. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) publicly suggested
the goal of the Intera study was to analyze the scale of water availability in Tippecanoe County and
assess future possible impacts on Greater Lafayette’s water supply.
“The peer review revealed the Intera study did not focus on those potential long-term impacts,” said
Lafayette Mayor and member of the Greater Lafayette Region Water Stewardship Committee
(GLRWSC), Tony Roswarski. “It also showed that Intera’s study was insufficient to evaluate how
much water could be transferred without causing future challenges in Greater Lafayette because
that was not one of its objectives.”
In early 2023, statewide media quoted IEDC officials suggesting a potential need to withdraw up to
100 million gallons per day (gpd) from the Wabash River alluvial aquifers to support companies that
may choose to locate in the LEAP Innovation District in Lebanon, Indiana. Intera drilled three test wells just west of Lafayette in Tippecanoe County. Each test well pumped 2 million gallons per day over three days.
The disclosure that the IEDC had engineers investigating the feasibility and cost of building a pipeline
to transport water from the Wabash aquifers to LEAP in Boone County caused public concern. West
Lafayette Mayor and stewardship committee member Erin Easter said, “The peer review revealed
that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure local leaders and state lawmakers have the data
required to make smart, informed decisions regarding our water resources and their ability to meet
the region’s future water needs.”
Moving groundwater from one watershed to another is currently unregulated in Indiana. Public
concerns and calls for safeguards by local citizens and governmental leaders prompted Indiana
Governor Eric E. Holcomb and legislative leaders to ask the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) to
conduct a broader assessment of the region and the state’s future water needs.
“We have a responsibility to ensure our region’s water supply is protected for our constituents, our
businesses, and the future of our growing economy,” said Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom
Murtaugh. “This peer review provided valuable insights into what was and wasn’t included in the
Intera study. We owe it to the next generation to ensure we get it right.”
IFA is currently studying the North Central and the Wabash Headwaters regions. Both studies
include portions of Tippecanoe County and should be completed by the end of the year. The Intera
pump test data and information provided by the regional water utilities are being considered for
inclusion in the report. Legislation that would govern water transfers between regions was tabled
during the 2024 state legislative session and is currently under review.
Download a PDF version of this press release here.
Download a PDF of the Peer Review memo here.
For more information or help with media interviews contact
Paul Moses at 765-742-4044 or pmoses@greaterlafayettecommerce.com