State requests Aqua Indiana action

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Phase two of an audit of Aqua Indiana was released on Friday, November 30.

The audit was requested by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission after supply concerns during this summer’s drought.  It was conducted by Crawford, Murphy & Tilley, Inc.

The release of Phase II comes two weeks after Fort Wayne enacted efforts to condemn Aqua’s Aboite System so that the city can take over supplying water for its customers in Aboite Township.

James D. Atterholt, the IURC  Chairman, said the most important issues are Aqua Indiana’s ability to maintain an adequate supply of water and meet the usage requirements at peak times.

This stems from a June 2012 incident where Aqua had low water pressure and did not meet water supply for customers during the drought.

According to all of Aqua’s data, they should have been able to supply enough water during the drought. Because they did not have the water, the state of Indiana ordered the company to have an independent audit.

Atterholt is requesting that the company take action so the solution can be fully implemented by May 1, 2013 before another drought situation could occur.

Aqua Indiana must re-submit a master plan that shows they can adequately serve customers.

Aqua Indiana President Tom Bruns, has reviewed the audit and is already working to improve its service.

“The Drought of 2012 demonstrated that requesting voluntary water conservation efforts from customers is sometimes not sufficient to reduce water consumption to manageable levels.  Aqua made multiple requests for voluntary water conservation during the drought, yet there was only a 10% reduction in water usage during the peak of this summer’s record-setting dry spell and heat wave,” said Bruns,. To strengthen the water conservation effort, Aqua has already initiated conversations with members of City Council about a possible ordinance allowing for enforcement of mandatory water conservation in extreme conditions.

Bruns said he also agrees that any future connection to City Utilities would improve fire preparedness.

A consultant’s report suggests that the single 8” pipe connecting City Utilities and Aqua that provided water to 1,200 homes during this summer’s extreme conditions was not adequate to ensure enough water in the event of a major fire.  “Aqua is already exploring improved methods for interconnecting with the City water system, as needed, during peak consumption periods so that there is no doubt about fire hydrant pressure and volume at all times,” said Bruns.