Lebanon secures 25 MGD water supply agreement with Citizens Energy Group by 2027

On February 4, 2025, the City Council of Lebanon, Indiana, convened to discuss significant developments regarding the city's water supply, a pressing issue as Lebanon prepares for future growth. Mayor Matt Gentry and Jeff Harrison, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, outlined a collaborative plan aimed at enhancing Lebanon's water infrastructure.

The discussions highlighted the longstanding need for additional water resources in Lebanon, a challenge that has been recognized for years. Mayor Gentry noted that previous conversations about the city's water needs predated his tenure, indicating a history of awareness and planning. The urgency of the situation has intensified with the anticipated growth in the region, prompting renewed efforts to secure a reliable water supply.

Citizens Energy Group has committed to a six-year plan to significantly increase water delivery to Lebanon. Initially, the city will receive two million gallons per day (MGD) within two years, with plans to ramp up to ten MGD by the third year and ultimately reach a capacity of 25 MGD by the end of the six-year period. This expansion is crucial, as Lebanon's current water system operates at approximately 4.6 MGD, underscoring the necessity for increased capacity to support both residential and commercial development.

The agreement between Lebanon and Citizens Energy Group marks a pivotal step forward. Harrison emphasized the importance of collaboration with local officials and state agencies, including the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Indiana Finance Authority, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the water supply challenge. The partnership aims to not only deliver water but also enhance the overall infrastructure, including the expansion of treatment plants and the addition of booster stations.

As Lebanon prepares for this influx of water, the city is also undertaking its own projects to ensure that the infrastructure can accommodate the new supply. Mayor Gentry mentioned ongoing efforts to manage current water resources effectively while planning for future needs. The city is working on requests for proposals (RFPs) to determine how best to construct the necessary infrastructure to integrate the incoming water supply.

The meeting underscored the importance of proactive planning in addressing Lebanon's water needs, particularly as the city anticipates growth. The collaboration with Citizens Energy Group is seen as a model for future partnerships, with both leaders expressing optimism about the potential benefits for the community.

In conclusion, the discussions at the City Council meeting highlighted a significant milestone in Lebanon's efforts to secure a sustainable water supply. With a clear timeline and collaborative framework in place, Lebanon is poised to enhance its water infrastructure, ensuring that it can meet the demands of a growing population while maintaining high-quality service for its residents. The next steps will involve careful coordination between the city and Citizens Energy Group to ensure that both the delivery of water and the necessary infrastructure improvements are completed on schedule.