Indiana Leads U.S. in Water Quality Improvements for 2025

Indiana Makes National Headlines for Water Quality

Indiana is making waves – literally! The Hoosier State has earned the top spot nationally for water quality improvements, with seven U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Success Stories” recognized in 2025. That’s more than any other state, with the next closest states contributing only two.

“This recognition shows what’s possible when state and federal agencies empower Hoosiers to take the lead in protecting and improving their environment,” said Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Commissioner Clint Woods. “Our progress comes from teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to clean water.”

So, what exactly is a “Success Story”? These case studies highlight measurable improvements in water quality achieved through local partnerships and community-driven solutions. They focus on waters that had previously been too polluted to support activities like swimming, fishing, or healthy ecosystems, often due to nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Unlike pollution from a single source, NPS pollution comes from many places – like farm runoff, stormwater from streets, or fertilizers washing off lawns – and can be tricky to control.

How Indiana Waters Are Being Restored

To earn Success Story status, a waterbody must show clear progress toward restoration, whether fully or partially, or demonstrate that a threat to water quality has been prevented. Recently, Indiana celebrated a major win in Pike and Dubois Counties, where efforts in the Flat Creek Watershed led to seven water segments being removed from the impaired waters list, along with measurable improvements in a fourth stream segment.

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“These projects are challenging because multiple factors impact water quality at once,” said IDEM Watershed Planning and Restoration Section Chief Caleb Rennaker. “Thanks to federal grants, IDEM guidance, and the hard work of farmers, watershed groups, and local leaders, Indiana’s Success Stories are becoming a reality.”

Learn More About Indiana’s Success Stories

Hoosiers interested in learning more can explore all of Indiana’s Nonpoint Source Success Stories at epa.gov/nps. It’s proof that when communities come together, clean water wins!