INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The United States Environmental Protection Agency now ranks Indiana as the 2025 national leader in water quality “Success Stories,” after quality improvements throughout the state.
“Success Stories” are EPA-designated case studies that highlight water improvements achieved through local partnerships and community-driven solutions in waters that didn’t meet environmental standards for contaminants.
So far this year, Indiana has contributed seven “Success Stories” efforts that have led to documented water quality improvements. The next closest states only have two.
“This recognition shows what’s possible when state and federal agencies empower Hoosiers to take the lead in improving their environment,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods, “Indiana’s progress is rooted in collaboration and a shared commitment to clean water.”
To qualify as a Success Story, a waterbody must have:
- Been previously considered impaired, meaning it was too polluted to support expected activities such as swimming, fishing, or hosting certain biological communities; and
- Be partially or fully restored, show progress toward achieving water quality goals, or show other qualitative measures toward improvement.
