PROTECTING PRAIRIE CREEK RESERVOIR
For over 70 Years, Indiana American Water (formerly Muncie Water Works Corp.) and the City of Muncie, Indiana, have partnered to establish recreational facilities on the Prairie Creek Reservoir for public use. The reservoir, White River and its aquifer are an interconnected water system that serves as both a critical source of high-quality drinking water and as a cherished natural park for the greater Muncie community.
As we look to the future, Indiana American Water and the City of Muncie are working in partnership to maintain a reservoir that continues to provide safe, clean drinking water that serves nearly 80,000 area residents while balancing recreational opportunities and sustainability.
Unfortunately, an abundance of unapproved campgrounds, a wastewater system in extreme disrepair, over-permitted docks, unmanaged ATV and horse trails and other factors are contributing to the degradation of the reservoir’s water quality. While our team of dedicated water quality professionals are able to maintain safe drinking water for the Muncie community, water tests show the reservoir’s ecology is increasingly out of balance. If left unchecked, increasing activity along the reservoir could impact the community’s water supply source.
WHAT’S NEXT
To provide safe, clean drinking water, Indiana American Water and the City of Muncie will continue to jointly review current recreational activities that align with environmental sustainability goals and safe drinking water standards.
As the first step in this process, enhanced collaboration will take place with Indiana American Water, the City of Muncie, State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Health Department, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other key stakeholders. This includes implementing an adequate wastewater system for the Prairie Creek Reservoir Campground.
Indiana American Water will improve wildlife habitat through expanded enrollment in DNR’s Classified Wildlife Program and explore enhanced recreational activities, such as walking trails or fishing piers, that typically do not compromise reservoir water quality.
Additional changes will be implemented at the end of 2025:
- ATV and horse trails will be discontinued and the trails returned to a natural state under the DNR’s Classified Wildlife Program. The unapproved campgrounds used by the horse riders club also be returned to natural state.
- No additional campground sites or docks will be permitted along the reservoir.
By reducing activities that are threatening the reservoir’s water supply, we are taking proactive steps to safeguard the environment and promote long-term community benefits.
A COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Indiana American Water is committed to maintaining safety and reliability in its service, providing Muncie area residents with water that meets high quality standards. These changes to the Prairie Creek Reservoir and the adjoining recreation area will allow the reservoir to fulfill its primary, critical role as a source of safe, clean drinking water for the community, while providing for beloved, sustainable recreation activities.
We understand the importance of this space to the community and will work to provide updates as we implement changes.
UPDATES
May, 2025 "Protecting Prairie Creek Reservoir" overview