(INDIANAPOLIS) – The White River Alliance, the premier organization for regional water resource protection in Indiana, is going virtual for the new pandemic-sensitive third 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 virtually on Aug. 12-13 from the Athenaeum in Indianapolis, and the topics selected are meant to inform water policy discussions and best water management practices in Indiana.
“There has never been a more crucial time to further improve and protect our water resources,” according to Jill Hoffmann, executive director of the White River Alliance. “We are seeing an increased need for guaranteed clean water for drinking, handwashing and general sanitation needs as we try to keep our homes and businesses safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Our surface water resources are also providing a much needed respite and source of recreation to families while travel and vacations are restricted. For all of these reasons and more, it’s time for us to work together as a community and create the change we need for a safe and sustainable future.”
Hoffmann says some of the key topics to be discussed at the Summit include:
- Regional water planning advancement
- Water trends in our food and beverage industry
- Source water protection and its intersection with agriculture
- Local stormwater management
These topics will build upon the dynamic discussion that resulted from last year’s Summit, including the need for the widespread adoption of agricultural best practices, coordination of stormwater management, awareness of the effects of climate change, and the need for public will concerning the value of water. 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 ensuring that all interests have a voice in directing our water future.
2020 Indiana Water Summit Event Information
Regional Planning Forum
Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 1-5 p.m.
Virtual Platform
A nationally recognized water policy expert from Texas State University will discuss the framework used to approach regional water planning and how to make it a reality in Indiana. This discussion will then seek input from participants on relevant planning approaches to advance Indiana’s water future. Early findings from the Central Indiana Water Study (the first supply/demand/availability study to be completed for the region), will be shared with a real-time Q&A session at 3:50 p.m.
Main Summit Event
Thursday, Aug. 13 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virtual Platform
In-person, networking and celebration happy hour event – 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Rathskeller Biergarten, 401 E. Michigan St.
This day-long forum is aimed at building widespread understanding about water protection by discussing what is polluting our waters and various water use trends in our food and beverage industry. Sessions will seek input from participants on source water protection and its intersection with agriculture as well as how to better manage stormwater locally. The White River Alliance will then seek input regarding future goals and work plans for the Summit. Join us from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for in-person, socially distanced happy hour networking in the Rathskeller Biergarten.
Contribute to the future of the Indiana Water Summit
The Summit receives support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Summit 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.
