The White River is cleaner today than it has been in decades — and the progress underway is nothing short of historic. From massive underground tunnels to wetlands designed to naturally filter runoff, central Indiana is investing in the river’s future like never before.
Why the River Struggled
For much of the 20th century, the White River’s story was defined by pollution. Industrial waste, urban and agricultural runoff, outdated infrastructure, and draining of wetlands left their mark. The most infamous reminder came in 1999, when a criminal chemical discharge caused a massive fish kill that stretched for miles south of Anderson.
These challenges shaped the river’s reputation, but they also sparked action. Since then, communities across central Indiana have been working together to restore the river’s health.
Big Four Bridge and Kingan Plant, 1907
Source: Indiana Historical Society
Tackling a Century-Old Challenge
One of the biggest contributors to poor water quality has been combined sewer systems (CSOs). Like many historic cities, Indianapolis and Noblesville were built with pipes that carry both stormwater and household wastewater. On most days, everything works as it should. This wastewater flows to the treatment plant to be cleaned and released into the river. But when heavy rains overwhelm the system, untreated water can flow directly into the river and its tributaries.
For decades, this was one of the most difficult challenges to solve. Today, that story is changing.
Big Fixes Below Ground
For more than a decade, Citizens Energy Group crews have been hard at work 250 feet below Indianapolis carving out a massive underground network called the DigIndy Tunnel System. This $2 billion, 28-mile system is designed to capture and store combined sewer overflows before they ever reach the White River, sending them to treatment instead.
The White River tunnel opened in 2022 and has already prevented hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated wastewater from flowing into the river. When the full system is complete in October, DigIndy will stand among the single greatest improvement to water quality in central Indiana since the very first settlers arrived. The impact will be felt for generations — delivering cleaner water for wildlife, healthier flows for downstream communities, and a stronger foundation for everything that depends on the river.
Embracing a Cleaner Future in Noblesville
In Noblesville, progress looks a little different — but it’s just as impactful. Through the Embrace Downtown project, the city is revitalizing its historic downtown while also tackling combined sewers. By separating stormwater from wastewater pipes, the project reduces overflows into the river and ensures cleaner water downstream.
It’s another step forward in the shared effort to restore the White River.
What’s Next: Nature at Work in Fishers
Water quality doesn’t just improve through pipes and tunnels — nature plays a vital role too. That’s why Fishers White River Park is being designed with the river’s health at its core.
Located in the floodplain, the park minimizes gray infrastructure and instead uses native plants and restored wetlands to naturally filter stormwater, capture runoff, and improve the quality of water flowing back into the White River. Wetlands act like sponges and filters — slowing down water, trapping pollutants, and providing cleaner flows downstream.
It’s a reminder that some of the most effective solutions for water quality come from working with nature, not against it.
How You Can Help
Everyone benefits when we improve water quality. Beyond the big projects, everyday choices matter. Through Clear Choices Clean Water (CCCW), you can:
- Take a pledge — like reducing fertilizer use or keeping storm drains clear.
- Volunteer for a river cleanup or habitat restoration project.
- Join RAFT (River Assessment Field Team) and help monitor river health.
Discover the White Riverway
Cleaner water, stronger communities, and smarter solutions — together, we’re changing the future of the White River. What was once defined by pollution is now becoming a story of restoration and resilience.
The river is flowing forward. Come discover it for yourself.
Learn more and get involved at DiscoverWhiteRiver.com.
