Indiana

Summary

Federal investments through STATEMAP and NGGDPP support the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) in producing geologic maps and preserving core/aquifer data that directly benefit economic development, water supply security, environmental management, and natural resource planning.

STATEMAP – Economic Development

  • South of Indianapolis (fast-growing counties): STATEMAP-funded deep drilling identified aquifers within glacial sediments to meet future growth demands (2023).
  • Bartholomew County: New county geologic maps provided data for:
    • Municipal and nonprofit water utilities to plan expansions, lowering costs for customers.
    • County highway department bridge siting and design (2017).
  • Southern Indiana limestone industry:
    • Dimension stone operators use Lawrence County maps for extraction forecasting and environmental impact studies (2016).
    • IGWS mapping refined stratigraphy of key stone horizons, directly benefiting major companies like Polycor/Indiana Limestone Co./Elliot Stone Co. (2022).
  • 3D Mapping & LiDAR integration: High-quality statewide models are guiding environmentally responsible and sustainable development (2014).

Water Supplies & Public Health

  • Columbus area (Bartholomew Co.): Bedrock surface maps saved time and money in groundwater contamination investigations (2018).
  • Morgan County: Mapping of aquifers critical for future public water supply; some bedrock units identified with naturally occurring arsenic (2014).
  • Statewide emergency response: Indiana Office of Water and Land Quality relies on IGWS maps when spills or contamination events occur — sometimes the only available data source for quick response (2014).
  • Northern glacial lakes: GIS datasets from mapping projects support analysis of groundwater–surface water interaction for DNR and address public concerns about fluctuating lake levels (2009).

Unbiased & Actionable Data

  • High-quality mapping provides an unbiased big picture to help stakeholders with diverse interests evaluate geologic conditions (2009).

Natural Resource Management

  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Uses long-term mapping to assist landowners with conservation planning (2014).
  • Aggregates industry: Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association stresses mapping as critical for balancing water, mineral, housing, and industrial development demands (2007).
    • Municipal and nonprofit water utilities to plan expansions, lowering costs for customers.
    • County highway department bridge siting and design (2017).

Impact for Indiana:

  • Supports economic development by guiding water supply expansion and construction.
  • Strengthens key industries like dimension stone and aggregates with accurate stratigraphic data.
  • Provides life-saving information for environmental and health agencies responding to spills or groundwater contamination.
  • Builds a long-term, unbiased framework for sustainable resource and land-use planning.