Utilities outline plan to divert water from Indianapolis reservoir to tech hub

Citizens Energy Group and Lebanon Utilities plan to use water from Eagle Creek Reservoir for a new tech district in Boone County.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Two utility companies, Citizens Energy Group and Lebanon Utilities, have presented a plan to divert 1 to 3 million gallons of water per day from the Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis to a new technology hub called the Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace (LEAP) District in Boone County. The LEAP District is set to include a manufacturing facility for drugmaker Eli Lilly and a data center for Meta. While some Indianapolis residents have expressed concerns about transparency, the utility companies say the information is available online and they are committed to addressing environmental concerns.

Why it matters

The plan to divert water from the Eagle Creek Reservoir to the LEAP District tech hub raises concerns about the impact on the local environment and the transparency of the decision-making process. As Indianapolis grapples with water resource management, the public wants to ensure that any diversions are done responsibly and with community input.

The details

Citizens Energy Group and Lebanon Utilities intend to use the water from Eagle Creek Reservoir to support the development of the LEAP District, a new technology hub in Boone County that will include a manufacturing facility for Indianapolis-based drugmaker Eli Lilly and a data center for Meta. The utility companies plan to divert 1 to 3 million gallons of water per day from the reservoir, which some Indianapolis residents have expressed concerns about, citing a lack of transparency. However, the utility companies say the information is available on their website and they are committed to addressing environmental concerns.

  • On February 6, 2026, the utility companies presented their plan to the Indianapolis City-County Council committee and local residents.
  • On February 10, 2026, the Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee will host another public meeting to discuss the project.
  • On February 1, 2026, Citizens Energy Group will hold a public information session about the project.

The players

Citizens Energy Group

A utility company that is partnering with Lebanon Utilities to divert water from the Eagle Creek Reservoir to the LEAP District tech hub.

Lebanon Utilities

A utility company that is partnering with Citizens Energy Group to divert water from the Eagle Creek Reservoir to the LEAP District tech hub.

Eli Lilly and Co.

An Indianapolis-based drugmaker that plans to build a manufacturing facility in the LEAP District tech hub.

Meta

The company that plans to build a data center in the LEAP District tech hub.

Lou Ann Baker

A member of the Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee who expressed concerns about the water diversion plan.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight was an important component for the people in Indianapolis finding out about the lead project for both water and wastewater. This is the first time for the public to hear from the utility companies themselves about how they may impact the park.”

— Lou Ann Baker, Member, Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee

“We hear and we see the commitment to the environment, and know that this program is a commitment we share. We know the program won't impact our customers or our environmental resources entrusted to steward.”

— Ben Easley, Spokesperson, Citizens Energy Group

What’s next

The Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee will host another public meeting on February 10, 2026 to further discuss the project, and Citizens Energy Group has scheduled a public information session for February 1, 2026 to address community questions.

The takeaway

The plan to divert water from the Eagle Creek Reservoir to the LEAP District tech hub highlights the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes when it comes to managing shared water resources. As Indianapolis grapples with balancing economic development and environmental concerns, the public will be closely watching to ensure that any diversions are done responsibly and with community input.