Hoosier Water Guardian

Water Quality in Indiana
Information About
Current: Hoosier Water Guardian

The Hoosier Water Guardian program recognizes those communities who go above and beyond the minimum state standards for Wellhead Protection and Source Water Protection. It is a voluntary initiative for all community public water supplies that depend on groundwater for all or part of their drinking water. Through the Hoosier Water Guardian program, community public water supplies receive recognition for local efforts to protect their residents and the environment.

Hoosier Water Guardian is an optional program administered by IDEM. Applying for and/or receiving an award does not replace the need to submit a Phase II Wellhead Protection Plan. This program is strictly voluntary and is designed to recognize those communities who go above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure that their residents are provided with the safest and cleanest drinking water possible.

Benefits of Participation

Your community’s drinking water is better protected, at its source, as a direct result of the actions you take.
Earn State Revolving Fund priority points for future projects by becoming a Hoosier Water Guardian.

Recognition

Your community will be recognized as one that goes above and beyond the standards for wellhead protection. This recognition shows your community is one who values and cares about its water resources, and the health of its citizens.

Partnerships

Many organizations are ready to collaborate with your community:

Networking

Sharing ideas and techniques for outreach events, educational programs, workshops, and other implementation strategies can help ease the burden on volunteers and maximize efforts. IDEM has resources available for communities to borrow for outreach events.

Communities may also wish to cooperate, sharing what actions, methods of communication, ordinances, or zoning policies have been successful. These steps can also be helpful to identify ways to improve current actions, better protecting drinking water resources.

How to Qualify

Your community earns points for performing qualifying activities.

Examples of Qualifying Activities

Adding a local ordinance to protect water resources, including wellhead protection areas
A well represented Local Planning Team, which meets regularly
Promoting good land use practices
Monitoring known contamination sites to minimize impact and to ensure cleanup
Preparing for spills and accidental releases
Partnering with solid waste agencies, conservation groups, and watershed organizations to assist in the proper management of waste and potentially contaminating substances
Educating students on the vulnerability of their water supply

How to Apply

Communities can either apply through IDEM or through the Groundwater Foundation.

Through IDEM

Download the application form from the IDEM Agency Forms page. Return the completed form with applicable documentation, photos, and updated plans to GWSection@idem.IN.gov or by mail to the Office of Water Quality.

Through the Groundwater Foundation

Communities can apply for automatic consideration with the Groundwater Guardian Program and will receive 30 points toward their Hoosier Water Guardian application.

Review Process

Eligibility

If your community has been involved in activities over the past five years that further the protection of your drinking water, IDEM wants to recognize you as one of our heroes, as a partner striving to improve our environment, and as a “Hoosier Water Guardian.”

Hoosier Water Guardian applications can be reviewed annually rather than every five (5), seven (7), or ten (10) years as required in the state’s Wellhead Protection rules.

Your community is eligible to receive a Hoosier Water Guardian award every five (5) years.

Evaluation

Your community will be evaluated for the awards based upon the number of steps taken, the implementation of innovative strategies, and the application of your plans. A complete list of evaluation criteria can be found on the Hoosier Water Guardian application.