Council passes groundwater-use restrictions after a records check finds no customers relying only on wells

What happened

The council adopted groundwater-use restrictions for areas with historic contamination after City Engineer Marcus Meyer told the council that staff cross-checked sewer billing records for the area's 1,081 parcels and found that every sewer customer there already has a water account. 31:21

Meyer said that check gives the city confidence no one in the area relies solely on well water for household use — the notice concern that led the council to hold the ordinance without a vote a week earlier. 31:37

This is the second time the ordinance has come before the council since it was introduced on Sept. 3, when members asked for more notice to affected landowners before voting. 38:54

The outcome

Passed on a voice vote. 39:11

Sources

• City Engineer Marcus Meyer: sewer billing check of 1,081 parcels, 31:21
• No one appears to rely solely on well water, 31:37
• Sept. 3: council asks for more notice before voting, 38:54
• Council approves General Ordinance 10-2026 on a voice vote, 39:11

Also known as: General Ordinance 10-2026 · groundwater usage restrictions · private well ban Terre Haute · IDEM contamination wells · private well closure ordinance