On today’s show I sat down with Steve Berube of Citizens Energy Group and Dr. Bob Holden of Wessler Engineering about water infrastructure needed for Lebanon’s LEAP District.
Citizens was asked in late 2024 to supply up to 25 million gallons per day to Lebanon, which currently uses under 5 million, with delivery planned at 2 MGD by 2027, 10 MGD by 2028, and 25 MGD by 2031.
They explain Lebanon’s long-standing “water desert” challenges, how Citizens’ 10 treatment plants and expansions at T.W. Moses Water Treatment Plant near Eagle Creek and White River North will support demand, and why Eagle Creek levels are expected to remain consistent.
They also address misconceptions about costs (LEAP users fund infrastructure), data centers (Meta up to 8 MGD with recycling), wastewater treatment using bacteria, industrial permits, and returning some treated water to the White River watershed.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
Water Needs for Lebanon’s LEAP District
How Eagle Creek’s Water Levels Will Remain Consistent Despite Growing Water Demands
Misconceptions About Costs and Data Centers
Thank you to our partners:
Indy Grills
Cowpokes
Check out these great clips from the show:
01:31 Meet the Water Experts
02:38 LEAP Water Demand Scale
04:29 Lebanon Water Desert Explained
05:50 How Citizens Energy Group Supplies Water
07:12 Bills and Who Pays
08:26 Buildout Timeline and Growth
09:30 Water Cycle and Recycling
13:27 Wholesale Infrastructure Needed
15:12 Eagle Creek Misconceptions
17:40 Dam Operations and Releases
21:27 Data Centers Water Truth
23:49 Who Owns The Water
24:44 Eagle Creek Vs. Wabash
26:14 Lebanon Protecting Residents
27:11 Data Center Wastewater Reality
28:36 How Sewage Gets Treated
32:43 Permits Testing And Compliance
35:40 Water Taste And Carbon
38:54 Returning Water To Watershed
42:37 Project Benefits
