Water demand increases as city struggles with aging pipes - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Citizens Energy says it's pumping near record levels of water as more homeowners opt to save their grass, trees and gardens. But along with all that water comes problems, including a growing number of water main breaks.

When the mercury went up last summer, so did the number of water main breaks. Now, in the first week of summer with drought-like conditions, water usage is peaking near record highs.

"We're pushing right now 218 million gallons of water just yesterday. And last week we had days where we were seeing 220 million gallons of water used," said Sarah Holsapple of Citizens Energy Group.

So far, the city's underground delivery system seems to be keeping up, but not without some costly breaks the month of June.

"We've had 45 water main breaks in the month of June and last June we had 40 water main breaks, so actually the fact that we have only five more is pretty significant since the usage is up so much," said Holsapple.

That's no reason to throw a splash party just yet. The city's pipes that bring water to your home date back to the Civil War era. They're old and nearing the end of their life span.

It's a familiar story across the state. In 2010, The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Indiana an overall grade of a D+.

The American Society of Civil Engineers isn't worried about the supply, but says Indiana needs $4 billion in infrastructure improvement over the next 20 years.

"Since Citizens has taken over the water utility, we've done a lot to advance our maintenance and our replacement programs," said Holsapple "45 is still too many," she admitted, referring to the number of water main breaks.

"I'm faced with losing a tree or watering, so, it's a no-win situation," explained retired Indianapolis firefighter Bill Mann, who was sitting on his porch Tuesday watching his sprinkler go through its watering cycle.

He gets his water from the town of Speedway. He waters for two hours every day or so to keep his investments alive.

While he says his water bill has doubled over the last five years, he says it's still cheaper than the alternative.

"That tree there is property valued at $2,500 to $3,000," said Mann pointing to his Japanese Maple trees. "There's an affordability factor. I mean, you reach a point where you can't afford more water, you just don't do it," he said.

Right now watering is by choice in Indianapolis. There are no bans - yet.

"That doesn't mean that those won't be coming. Certainly if we don't get more rain, to supplement our supply, then we'll have to consider that," said Holsapple.

Water mains are being repaired on Keystone Avenue and between 37th and 38th Streets. Repairs can be costly, ranging from $3,000 all the way up to $8,000 depending on the size and depth.

Again there are no bans in place, but Citizens suggests homeowners water in the morning and water just an inch per week to keep lawns healthy.