Batesville, In. — The proposed city of Batesville waterline from the Whitewater aquifer in Franklin County is raising questions among officials.
Last year the city purchased about 100 acres with the intent of constructing a 20-inch supply line that would feed untreated water to the Batesville treatment plant. The process of acquiring easements along the 16-mile route to the facility located on Underpass Road is expected to be completed by the end of August. No date has been set to begin construction.
Officials say the water main will travel trough 60 properties from Snail Creek and Levy Roads, to Peppertown then to Batesville.
Batesville mayor Mike Bettice says the additional water supply is vital to the future growth of Batesville. Current estimates from the city say about 1.2 gallons of water is treated per day.
Landowners along the route are in the Hoosier Hills Regional Water District therefore the city cannot offer access to the water. Additionally, because the water is untreated it would be illegal to allow the property owners to tap into the supply.
Commissioners say they should be compensated for water leaving Franklin County. After being told they have no legal rights to the water by state representative Randy Frye and Indiana senator Jean Leising the governing body said lawmakers should pass legislation to clarify mineral rights.
