Senate Bill 391 Summary

• Divides Indiana into nine hydrological regions, each with specified counties, to facilitate coordinated water resource management across the state.

• Establishes regional water management councils consisting of drainage board and soil and water conservation district chairpersons from each county, plus regional water planning groups that include six additional members selected from designated interest categories (public, government, agricultural, conservation, business, and utility representatives).

• Requires regional water planning groups to prepare detailed regional water resources plans every five years (initial plan due before January 1, 2016) that assess water supplies, project future demand, and develop strategies to meet water needs for five decades (2017-2057).

• Mandates the natural resources commission adopt a comprehensive state water resources plan every five years (initial plan due before January 1, 2017) that incorporates all regional plans and provides guidance for water development, conservation, and drought preparation.

• Directs the Department of Natural Resources to establish a water resources information system serving as a central clearinghouse for water resource data, census information, and other relevant water resource information accessible to state and local government and citizens.