Water Shortage Warning issued for all Ind. counties

Because of drought conditions, the Department of Natural Resources and the State Department of Homeland Security have issued a Water Shortage Warning for all Indiana counties.

Water Shortage Warnings intend to prepare a coordinated response to potential water supply problems and initiate voluntary conservation measures, according to a press release by the Department of Natural Resources.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 80 percent of the state currently suffers from severe drought conditions, with 29 percent of the state in extreme drought conditions.

Owners and operators of significant water withdrawal facilities will receive notification letters under Indiana’s Water Shortage Plan, asking them to implement voluntary measures to reduce water use by 10 to 15 percent, according to the release.

The notification follows a previously issued warning issued July 2 to significant water withdrawal facilities in 32 counties in northeast and southwest Indiana. These letters, according to the release, are sent to facilities capable of withdrawing 100,000 gallons of water daily from ground water, surface water or a combination of the two.

Public water supply systems are advised to immediately develop and update their water shortage contingency plans. All Hoosiers are encouraged to conserve water and energy use, as energy conservation helps water conservation.

Taking voluntary actions now, the DNR says, will help later if conditions worse.