Regional Water and Sewer Districts
- Water Quality in Indiana
- Information About
- Current: Regional Water and Sewer Districts
Introduction
A regional district is an independent local government entity that may be established to provide drinking water, sewers, and solid waste management (trash removal) for homes and businesses within an established service area. The requirements for creating new districts are found in the Indiana Code at IC 13-26. Decisions about forming new districts are made at the local level. IDEM’s administrative role is to ensure districts are formed according to the legal and technical requirements specified in IC 13-26. The formation process begins when IDEM receives a formal petition to establish a district. All interested parties are encouraged to review pending petitions and participate in the review process.
Petitions to Establish a new Regional District (IC 13-26-2)
- Petition to form the Buck Creek and Colburn Regional Sewer District [PDF]
- Petition to form the Northern Parke Regional Sewer District [PDF]
- Petition to form the Blackford County Regional Sewer District [PDF]
Petitions to Modify an Existing Regional District (IC 13-26-1-2)
None
Further Information:
Regional Water and Sewer District Profiles
The profiles section provides descriptions of and documentation concerning the districts that have already been established in the state of Indiana.
**THIS MAP IS A WORK IN PROGRESS; DISTRICT PROFILES ARE BEING ADDED**
Click on a county to view information about the districts in that county:
County Name Here
Adams County Regional Sewer District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On September 24, 2009, the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management signed the Order Adopting the Findings of Fact and Recommended Order of the Hearing Officer for the Organization of the Adams County Regional Sewer District (“the District”), in Adams County, Indiana. The Order established the District as an independent political entity of the State of Indiana to provide sewer management for homes and businesses within the established service area.
As described in no. 6 of the Petition to Establish the Adams County RSD, “the need for the proposed district has long been recognized by residents and businesses in the area, also by the Adams County Commissioners, the Petitioner herein, and by the public, generally for the reason that sanitary sewage disposal is provided in the area by each homeowner or business through an on-site septic tank, some of which have failed, or will fail. The absence of public sanitary sewer service has contributed to suppression of development and environmental contamination in the proposed District.”
No. 10 of the petition describes the district territory as, “all that part of Adams County, Indiana, outside of the municipally incorporated areas, as well as areas currently services by CTA’s of such County. Also, any state parks or state-owned lands, such as by the DNR are excluded.”
Petition to Establish the Adams County Regional Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
Petition to Establish the Adams Co. RSD
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
Adams Co. RSD Preliminary Engineering Report (09/2008)
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Adams County RSD Public Hearing transcript and notice
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
Findings of Fact & Recommended Order
Petition to Increase Board of Trustees Membership, add to, modify, or abandon Purposes or Plan (IC 13-26-1-2) &/or Addition of Territory to Regional District (IC 13-26-8)
First Order Modifying the Order Forming the Adams County RSD - District Plan extension
District Updates
Keep updated with Adams County Regional Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Adams County Regional Sewer District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Allen County Regional Water & Sewer District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On January 16, 1979, the Stream Pollution adopted the Findings of Fact and Recommendations of the Hearing Officer to Establish the Allen County Regional Sewer District (“the District”) in Allen County, Indiana. The Order established the district as an independent political entity of the State of Indiana to provide sewer management for homes and businesses within the established service area.
As described in the Petition, “the need for the proposed district has long been recognized by residents and businesses in the area, also by the Allen County Commissioners, the Petitioner herein, and by the public, generally for the reason that sanitary sewage disposal is provided in the area by each homeowner or business through an on-site septic tank, some of which have failed, or will fail. The absence of public sanitary Water & Sewer service has contributed to suppression of development and environmental contamination in the proposed District.”
On December 12, 1978, the Commissioner of IDEM signed the Order Granting Modification of Allen County Regional Sewer District to increase and add to the District purposes by changing its name to “Allen County Regional Water and Sewer District” and including, as its purposes, to provide a water supply for domestic, industrial, ad public use to users, all inside the territory of the district.
On February 6, 2019, the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management signed the Order Approving the Petition to Release and Abandon Territory and for the Modification of the Final Order Establishing the Allen County Regional Water and Water & Sewer District. This Order released and abandoned certain territories in the Allen County RWSD into the Leo-Cedarville RSD.
Petition to Establish the Allen County Regional Water & Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
Allen County Regional Sewer District Formation Documents
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
Preliminary Engineering Report June, 2011
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
Findings of Facts and Recommended Order
Petition to Increase Board of Trustees Membership, Add to, Modify, or Abandon Purposes or Plan (IC 13-26-1-2) &/or Addition of Territory to Regional District (IC 13-26-8)
Order Modification 1989 inclusion of Zanesville into district territory
Order Modification 1992 deletion of Zanesville from district territory
Order Modification 1993 addition of water supply to district purpose
Release and Abandon Territory into the Leo-Cedarville RSD / Petition to Release and Abandon / Order Modification 2019
District Updates
Keep updated with Allen County Regional Water & Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Allen County Regional Water & Sewer District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Clay County (Coalmont) Regional Sewer District
Introduction and Background
As described in Clay County (Coalmont) Regional Sewer District’s Petition (no. 7): “The Clay County Commissioners are under an Agreed Order with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for untreated sewage discharges from the unincorporated community of Coalmont. Numerous on-site septic systems directly discharge to roadside ditches. The discharge of untreated sanitary sewage to any surface waters or ground waters of the state is a violation of Indiana Administrative Code. In addition, based on IDEM’s inspection, many septic systems appear to be unapproved sewage disposal methods along with open sewer laterals discharging directly on the ground and into waters of the State which is a direct violation of 410 IAC 6-8.3-53 and Indiana Code (IC) 13-30-2-1. Additionally, the need for the proposed District has also been recognized by residents, businesses, and elected officials such as the Clay County Commissioners and other members of the public. The absence of public sanitary sewer service is a public health and safety concern in addition to having a negative impact on the value of property within the proposed District.”
Inspection Summary and Noncompliance Letters:
- May 13, 2022: Inspection Summary/Enforcement Referral
- August 26, 2021: Inspection Summary/Noncompliance Letter
- April 6, 2021: Inspection Summary/Noncompliance Letter
Compliance Plan and Quarterly Reports:
- March 7, 2023: Approval of Compliance Plan and Schedule
- September 27, 2023: Quarterly Report
- March 8, 2023: Quarterly Report
- January 3, 2023: Quarterly Report
Wastewater Water Agreed Order (Case No. 2022-28798-W)
Petition to Establish the Clay County (Coalmont) Regional Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
As stated in the Finding of Facts and Recommended Order signed December 23rd, 2023, “within nine (9) months from the date of this order, the Clay County (Coalmont) RSD shall file a detailed plan for the District’s initial project with the Commissioner of IDEM according to the requirements of IC 13-26-6-1.”
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
District Updates
Keep updated with Clay County (Coalmont) Regional Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Clay County (Coalmont) Regional Sewer District”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Dubois County Regional Sewer District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On February 15, 2024, the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) signed the Order Adopting the Findings of Fact and Recommended Order of the Hearing Officer for the Establishment of the Dubois County Regional Sewer District (District).
As described in the district’s Project 1 – Phase 1 Executive Summary, “Dubois County is seeking to establish a new Regional Sewer District to address failing septic systems. Many small communities throughout the County are facing similar issues with failing septic systems resulting in untreated domestic waste pollution to nearby waterbodies. Many of these areas with failing septic systems are facing high capital costs for replacement and are located in areas of soil conditions that are not favorable for the installation of septic systems as a long-term solution.”
Petition to Establish the Dubois County Regional Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
IDEM Petition for the Formation of a Regional Sewer District Draft Submission
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
As stated in the Finding of Facts and Recommended Order signed December 23rd, 2023, “within nine (9) months from the date of this order, the Dubois County RSD shall file a detailed plan for the District’s initial project with the Commissioner of IDEM according to the requirements of IC 13-26-6-1.”
District’s PER
Dubois County RSD Final Report
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Notice Published in Jasper Herald
Notice Published in Ferdinand News
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
Findings of Fact and Recommended Order
District Updates
Keep updated with Dubois County Regional Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Dubois County Regional Sewer District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Hamilton County Regional Utility District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On February 27, 2023, the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) signed the Order Adopting the Findings of Fact and Recommended Order of the Hearing Officer for the Establishment of the Hamilton County Regional Utility District (District).
As described in the District’s petition no. 11, “Hamilton County government, residents, and businesses have recognized the need for the District to provide water (both potable water and water for fire protection service) and sewer services in the area. Properties within and near the District have aging and failing systems that have contributed to contamination of the area, causing a public health concern. Residents and local businesses support the extension of sewer and water services to improve property values, encourage economic development, and serve the health, safety, and welfare of the area.”
The district’s webpage can be found using the following link: Hamilton County Regional Utility District.
Petition to Establish the Hamilton County Regional Utility District (IC 13-26-2-1)
Petition to Establish the Hamilton County Regional Utility District
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
Permit for Public Water Supply
Permit for Phase 1A & 2B Water and Sewer
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
Findings of Fact and Recommended Order
Petition to increase board of trustees membership, add to, modify, or abandon purposes or plan (IC 13-26-1-2) &/or Addition of Territory to Regional District (IC 13-26-8)
Hamilton County Regional Utility District Expansion #1
Hamilton County Regional Utility District Expansion #2
District Updates
Keep updated with Hamilton County Regional Utility District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Hamilton County Regional Utility District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Arlington Regional Sewer District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On November 30, 2000, the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management signed the Order Adopting the Findings of Fact and Recommended Order of the Hearing Officer for the Organization of the Arlington Regional Water and Sewer District (District) in Huntington County, Indiana.
As described in the District Petition to Establish the Arlington Regional Water and Sewer District (Petition), “The need for the proposed District has long been recognized by residents of the area, by Huntington County, and the public general. The immediate purpose to be accomplished is the acquisition and operation of an inadequate water and sewer utility presently owned by Arlington Utilities, Inc. In addition, the District will provide water and sewer service to presently undeveloped property within the proposed District, which property would be unsuitable for private septic systems and wells. The District will be conducive to public health, safety, convenience and welfare for the following reasons, among others:
(a) providing adequate supply of portable water to residents of the District;
(b) providing for the safe and environmentally sound treatment of sewage; and
(c) encouraging growth and economic development in the District. The provision of water and sewer collection, disposal and treatment is currently being provided, as noted previously, by Arlington Utilities, Inc., which is presently providing inadequate service and is under investigation before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission…The existing situation creates and adds to pollution or health hazards or impedes development in the area.”
Petition to Establish a Regional Water & Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
Petition to Establish the Arlington Regional Water and Sewer District
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Public Hearing for the Proposed Arlington Regional Water & Sewer District (9/12/2000)
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
Signed Findings of Fact (FOF) & Recommended Order
Signed Order & Notice of Decision
Petition to Increase Board of Trustees Membership, Add to, Modify, or Abandon Purposes or Plan (IC 13-26-1-2) &/or Addition of Territory to Regional District (IC 13-26-8)
None
District Updates
Keep updated with Arlington Regional Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Arlington Regional Sewer District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On October 18, 1977, the Stream Pollution Control Board of the State of Indiana adopted the Findings of Fact and Recommended Order establishing the Turkey Creek Township Regional Sewer District (District)
As described in no. 4 of the District Petition, “the purpose to be accomplished by the Sewage District is to provide a means in the area to be served by a sewer district for the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage so as to be beneficial to and improve the public health, safety and welfare in the area and to promote the improvement of the water quality of Lake Wawasee, Syracuse Lake, and Turkey Creek.”
In February 2014, the District submitted the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District Plan which outlines in the Introduction that, “Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District was originally created by order of the Indiana Stream Pollution Control Board on October 18, 1977. The original purpose was to provide sewer service in the service territory defined. The original purpose was added to on October 27, 1987, by order of the Indiana Stream Pollution Control Board to include water service. The District then acquired the sewer and water infrastructure of the Wawasee Sewer and Water Company, Inc. The Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District is now established to provide both water and sewer service within the service territory defined.”
On March 3, 2021, the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management signed the Order Modifying the Final Order Establishing the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District to Update the District’s Territory Description and to Limit the District’s Powers Regarding that Territory.
Petition to Establish the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
Petition to Establish the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
Findings of Fact and Recommended Order
District Updates
Petition to Modify the Establishment Order of the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District (8/10/1987)
Notification of the Inclusion of Additional Territory into TCRSD (3/3/2021)
Keep updated with Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Anderson Township Regional Sewer District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On November 19, 1974, the Stream Pollution Control Board of the State of Indiana signed the Order adopting the Findings of Fact and Recommended Order establishing the Anderson Township Regional Sewer District (District) in Rush County, Indiana. The Order established the district as an independent political entity of the State of Indiana to provide sewer management for homes and businesses within the established service area.
As described in the Petition from 1988, “(4b) The purpose to be accomplished by the Regional Waste District is to provide a means for the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage within the proposed area so as to improve public health, safety and welfare.” The method used to discharge sewage in this community at the time of the Petition mainly consisted of, “(4c) raw sewage onto the open surface or septic tank systems, but due to the permeability of the soil the sewage is not absorbed into the soil. (4e) The area proposed to be served by the Regional Waste District is experiencing an increase in population. Soil conditions are such that percolation is very limited and almost all sewage ends up on top of ground in ditches, along roadways and in creeks. A serious health hazard does exist because of inadequate facilities and because of soil conditions.”
Petition to Establish the Anderson Township Regional Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
Anderson Township RSD Petition
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
District Plan Extension (4/29/1975)
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Public Hearing Notice and Transcript
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
FOF and Recommended Order, and Signed Order
Petition to Increase Board of Trustees Membership, Add to, Modify, or Abandon Purposes or Plan (IC 13-26-1-2) &/or Addition of Territory to Regional District (IC 13-26-8)
None
District Updates
Keep updated with Anderson Township Regional Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Anderson Township Regional Sewer District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].
Bear High Wolf Regional Sewer District
Summary
Introduction and Background
On July 17, 1996, the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management signed the Order Adopting the Findings of Fact and Recommended Order of the Hearing Officer for the Organization of the Bear High Wolf Lakes Regional Sewer District (Order).
As described in the Order, “Such District is needed to permit the construction of a system to collect and dispose of the sanitary sewage of the residents. The current method of sewage collection and disposal through individual septic systems, and by the failed treatment plant with its collection system, presently is creating health problems and will continue to create such problems for the residents of the proposed District.”
Petition to Establish the Bear High Wolf Lakes Regional Sewer District (IC 13-26-2-1)
Petition to Establish the Bear High Wolf Lakes Sewer District
Public Meeting and Petition Comments
District Plan (IC 13-26-6-1)
Request for District Plan 9/5/2013
Public Hearing (IC 13-26-2-6)
Signed Findings of Fact, Recommended Order, Order & Notice of Decision (IC 13-26-2-8 & 13-26-2-10)
Findings of Fact & Recommended Order
Petition to increase board of trustees membership, add to, modify, or abandon purposes or plan (IC 13-26-1-2) &/or Addition of Territory to Regional District (IC 13-26-8)
First Order Modifying the Order to Establish the Bear High Wolf Lakes RSD
Second Order Modifying the Order to Establish the Bear High Wolf Lakes RSD
District Updates
Keep updated with Bear High Wolf Lakes Regional Sewer District by utilizing IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Type into the “Quick Search” bar in the top right corner: “Bear High Wolf Lakes Regional Sewer District”. In the “Filter by Category:” section above the search results, click the “Program” drop-down select “OWQ”.
For a complete guide on using the Virtual File Cabinet to search for documents, please see the VFC User Guide [PDF].