Second annual Indiana Water Summit proposes solutions for water quality and availability issues facing Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – The White River Alliance, the premier organization for regional water resource protection in Indiana, is bringing together dynamic speakers, national experts and interactive elements for the second annual Indiana Water Summit, an apolitical and inclusive forum developed to examine the complex interests and issues that face our state’s diverse water supply. This year’s event will be held on Aug. 14-15 in Indianapolis at Conner Prairie and the Athenaeum, and the topics selected are meant to inform water policy discussions in Indiana.

“We are at a critical time in regard to our shared water future,” according to Jill Hoffmann, Executive Director of the White River Alliance. “We are seeing increased demand in use, we are seeing more people want to recreate and build local economies around our waters, and we are seeing all of this occur at time when historic rainfall patterns are shifting dramatically. It’s time for us to be thoughtful as a community and work cooperatively to plan for the future we want.”

Hoffmann says some of the key topics to be discussed at the Summit include:

• Regional water planning and coordination
• The future of sustainable agriculture
• Holistic stormwater management and climate
• Building public will around the value of water

These topics will build upon the dynamic discussion that resulted from last year’s Summit. Some of those key takeaways included the need to educate the public on the value of water, to improve data collection in order to inform water policy, to coordinate water management across user groups, and more. The goal of this year’s event is to continue to lay the foundation for the long-term planning of Indiana’s water management needs while insuring that all interests have a voice in directing our water future.

2019 Indiana Water Summit Event Information

Kick-off Event

Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Conner Prairie

13400 Allisonville Rd.

A kick-off event featuring a hands-on workshop designed for learning “all things water.” Professionals from a variety of disciplines will provide an educational tour through water infrastructure systems, key water regulations, water quality threats and the suite of solutions needs to protect water supplies. Small group activities will help “connect the drops” and provide a great learning forum for everyone! Join us early from 5-6 p.m. for light hors d’oeuvres, exclusive hot air balloon rides with views of the White River, and time to mingle with water experts ready to answer your questions. This event is for the whole community and not geared for water professionals. Adults only, please.

Action Forum

Thursday, Aug. 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Athenaeum

401 E. Michigan St.

This day-long, action-driven forum is aimed at building widespread understanding about competing water needs, best practice water quality strategies, and regional water planning approaches needed to guide Indiana’s water future. Interactive sessions will seek input from participants on a newly developing Indiana Water Road Map and Dashboard. Speakers and panels will feature national, state and regional experts across the full spectrum of water users, researchers and policy makers. Stay after from 5-6 p.m. for happy hour networking in the Rathskellar Biergarten.

Contribute to the future of the Indiana Water Summit

With support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, the Summit will feature two events, outlined above. These events are inclusive and do not boast typical industry or commercial sponsorships. Instead, to help drive widespread commitment to our water future, the events’ long-term impact will be dependent upon the support of many individuals and organizations.

To get involved with the Summit, you can become a part of the White River Alliance’s Water Investors group, established specifically to support future Water Summit events, and/or register for Summit events by visiting www.indianawatersummit.org.

About the White River Alliance

The White River Alliance exists to improve and protect water quality on a watershed basis in the White River region in central Indiana. The Alliance supports local governments and other key stakeholders by helping them improve water quality protection, as they can often be faced with limited financial resources, changing regulatory expectations, and arduous cross-boundary cooperation. The collective assets of the Alliance lead to an innovative regional approach to understanding and addressing water quality and land use changes. In addition to the Water Summit, the Alliance’s programs include the national Clear Choices Clean Water program, which encourages residents to take individual action to improve water quality and increase water conservation, as well as several other local and regional public engagement and professional training programs. For more information, visit www.thewhiteriveralliance.org.