Indiana American Water President Emphasizes Need for Infrastructure Investment Following ASCE 2026 Report Card

Urgent Call for Infrastructure Improvement in Indiana

In a recent statement, Barry Suits, the president of Indiana American Water, addressed the findings of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2026 Report Card, which graded Indiana’s drinking water infrastructure a C- and wastewater management a D+. These scores highlight critical issues facing the state, which are deteriorating assets, the need for lead service line replacements, requirements for PFAS treatment, sewer rehabilitation, and upgrades to treatment plants.

The ASCE's report serves as a wake-up call for the statewide necessity to bolster water and wastewater systems. Suits emphasized the vital need for increased investment to ensure these systems not only meet current standards but also prepare for future challenges. “Our responsibility is clear: to provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services while investing in our infrastructure to support and sustain communities,” Suits stated.

The president outlined Indiana American Water’s ongoing commitment to improving service reliability and resilience. In the past five years, the company has invested nearly $1 billion toward infrastructural enhancements and plans to allocate over $1 billion more in the next five years. This sustainable investment approach aims to balance reliability, resilience, and customer affordability, ensuring that Indiana residents can count on consistent access to vital water services.

Further, the grade assigned in the ASCE report not only reflects the growing challenges but also calls attention to the effectiveness of sustained financial commitment to infrastructure. Suits reaffirmed that professionally managed investments can lead to strengthened water and wastewater systems, asserting, “Our experience shows that continued investment is crucial in addressing these infrastructure needs.”

American Water, the parent company of Indiana American Water, is recognized as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., boasting a legacy that dates back to 1886. Serving approximately 14 million people in 14 states, the company has consistently demonstrated a proactive stance toward maintaining and improving water services. Through these efforts, American Water aims to address the pressing needs of its customers and contribute significantly to environmental conservation and community well-being.

In addition, Suits urged stakeholders to recognize the criticality of addressing infrastructure challenges head-on. He called for unified support from government, business, and the public to prioritize water system investments, highlighting that these improvements are not just beneficial—they are imperative to the health and safety of Indiana’s residents.

Indiana American Water stands as a crucial player in the state’s water management landscape. With approximately 350 dedicated employees, the company is committed to ensuring the delivery of safe, clean, and reliable water to about 1.5 million people in the region. As we move forward, the call to action becomes clearer: investing in water and wastewater infrastructure is not just beneficial; it's necessary for the longevity of public health and community sustainability.

In conclusion, the ASCE 2026 Report Card has underscored existing issues while paving the way for necessary investments in the future. Now is the time for Indiana to act decisively and purposefully to enhance its infrastructure, securing a resilient future for its water systems and the countless lives they sustain.