Programs

Science & Policy Forums

Water issues in Indiana are a hot topic. From PFAS to wetlands to flooding, and much more, these virtual discussions are offered to bring perspective to current water issues.

Water issues in Indiana are a hot topic. From PFAS to wetlands to flooding, and much more, these virtual discussions are offered to bring perspective to current water issues.

The Forums

The Indiana Water Summit leadership offers these topical presentations and discussion between annual Water Summits to advance key strategies identified on the Indiana Water Roadmap. Forums often engage university researchers, agency staff, and industry best practice practitioners to share the science behind various water challenges and discuss necessary policy, funding, or technology-based solutions. Sign-up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay informed about details of these online, casual, 1 to 2 hour events!

Upcoming Forums

January Science & Policy Forum Details

Details for the next Science & Policy forum is set.
This forum is a two-part forum, Part 1 in January and Part 2 scheduled for March.

Data Center Download: How Data Centers Impact Our Grid, Our Water, and Our Communities

Join us in this webinar exploring current science and policy relating to the development and running of data centers in Indiana with emphasis on water, energy and the environment.

Part 1
Wednesday, January 21
11:30am – 1:30pm EST via Zoom

Part 2
Wednesday, March 4
11:30am – 1:30pm EST via Zoom

To learn more and register for PART 1 of this free forum, click the button below.

Past Topical Forums

Did you miss one of our Science & Policy Forums? Recordings from past topical forums can be found by clicking each button below. A brief overview of each forum can be found as well as a link to the presentation. Catch up on these hot topics!

This forum discussed the topic of water monitoring (both quantity and quality) with particular reference to Indiana and what we can be learned from expertise from different states and from different organizations. Speakers from the White River Alliance, USGS, North Dakota Department of Water Resources, UC-Berkeley Department of Environmental Science, and California Department of Water Resources presented on topics ranging from What we know about monitoring, what is needed, and how to fill water monitoring gaps.

View this presentation on Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future YouTube channel.

This forum covered topics ranging from Floodplain Mapping to Flooding and Erosion Vulnerabilities in Indiana. Flood risks, impacts, and resilience planning were presented as lessons learned from Louisiana. Finally, learn about how some Indiana communities are addressing flooding challenges. View the presentation on our YouTube channel.

Much has happened since our first co-hosted forum with Purdue in February. First, the passage of SEA 389. This was followed by the establishment of Governor Holcomb’s Wetland Taskforce. Lastly, the repeal of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, a 2020 rule that narrowed the definition of “Waters of the United States (WOTUS)” which left isolated wetlands and ephemeral streams at risk. In this follow up forum, researchers from several Indiana universities join with environmental management professionals and policy experts to discuss wetland hydrology and ecology, how wetland footprints are affected by changing legislation, and how resulting ecosystem services are lost or gained. The speakers will also address recent legislation and identify future management issues. View the presentation on our YouTube channel.

Wondering why so many people are talking about PFAS? This post-Indiana Water Summit virtual forum will help you understand everything you need to know about PFAS, ‘forever’ chemicals that are contaminating our water, soil, and, in some cases, our bodies. First, researchers from Purdue University’s Center for the Environment and the University of Notre Dame will dive into what is known and how PFAS are impacting Indiana’s environment. Then, policy leaders will help us understand what we can do as we extend our discussions about what’s polluting our waters. View the presentation on our YouTube channel.

As proposals for increasing large water withdrawals occur statewide discussions about Indiana’s water resilience are becoming more frequent. Some of the questions arising from those discussions include:

  • Is Indiana’s water policy equipped to ensure that our water use is sustainable?
  • Would large withdrawals affect current water users, the river ecosystem, or future development?
  • Is data available for Indiana water researchers to address these questions?
  • What policy options could be considered?
  • This forum gathered Indiana water science and policy experts and decision-makers to describe where we are today in terms of water knowledge and how we might move forward to safeguard sustainable water use in Indiana.

View this presentation on Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future YouTube channel.

Water recreation contributes to Indiana’s economic prosperity, quality of life, and public health. In this Science & Policy forum, we’ll consider the impacts of water recreation and the opportunities it presents as well as some ways we can promote and protect our enjoyment of Indiana’s water resources. Our presenters will cover topics such as Indiana’s “water trails,” our state’s recreational water quality standards, the economic impacts of water recreation and recreational water quality, the projected effects of climate change on outdoor recreation in Indiana, and examples from a couple of Indiana communities whose programs and projects for have enhanced recreational opportunities. View the presentation on Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future YouTube channel.