Santa Claus Officials Argue Over Water Rates

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(SANTA CLAUS) - It took more than three hours of public comment that ended with a unanimous vote to increase the water rates within the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.

There is division on the need for additional water supplies and there are differing opinions on who is responsible for the growing need.

Holiday World and Splashing Safari says it needs more water for the ever-growing amusement park. However, Holiday World President Will Koch says the water demand will continue to grow with or without Holiday World. As it now stands, Koch says Holiday World uses about 50-percent of the town's peak water demand.

The Santa Claus Water Utility plans to tap into the Ohio River aquifers, near Grandview. The construction of wells and a pipeline, is among the improvements planned for the water utility.

The Santa Claus water comes from Patoka Lake, but their pipeline has reached its capacity and without construction of a new multi-million dollar pipeline, the town does not have the option of increasing it's water supply contract.

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