Chandler Water Works Department

In 2016, Chandler Water Utility conducted a comprehensive assessment of their water system needs. Three critical areas were evaluated: new transmission main infrastructure, in-town replacement projects, and relocation operations. Engineers prepared preliminary reports to prioritize these needs effectively. By 2018, Chandler filed necessary documentation with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to secure funding for these essential projects, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2018 or early 2019.

The water distribution system contains many critical components that, if damaged, can create serious problems for both the Utility and residents. Water meter wells, which are accessed monthly for billing purposes, must also be available during emergencies to shut off water service when needed. Customers should never access meter wells without prior authorization from the Utility office. Residents can help maintain system integrity by keeping meter well tops closed, free from obstructions, and reporting any damage immediately.

Fire hydrants serve dual purposes: firefighting and routine system maintenance. A three-foot clearance around each hydrant must be maintained at all times to ensure quick access during emergencies and to facilitate maintenance activities. Only authorized utility staff and firefighters may operate hydrants, and unauthorized use should be reported promptly.

The Chandler Water Utility maintains a critical water user list for medical facilities and residents with health conditions requiring uninterrupted, clean water service. To ensure this list remains current, any qualifying organization or individual should contact (812) 925-6213 with their name, address, and phone number.

Despite security systems and alarms, the utility relies on vigilant citizens to help monitor and protect its widespread infrastructure. Please report any suspicious activities around utility properties to the Utility office or law enforcement immediately.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) ensure that Safe Drinking Water Act standards are met by every treatment facility. Water quality is monitored through rigorous testing for chlorine, hardness, pH, fluoride, turbidity, iron, and manganese. The utility also conducts extensive testing for radionuclides, lead, copper, inorganic compounds, volatile organic compounds, and synthetic organic compounds—monitoring over 100 potential contaminants regularly.

A Source Water Assessment conducted in 2007 for the groundwater wells determined a moderately high vulnerability to contamination due to thin clay thickness in the aquifer and surrounding land use patterns. Despite this finding, the Chandler Water Utility remains committed to protecting water quality through its comprehensive Wellhead Protection Plan.

Common Questions About Municipal Water Services

1. What are my rights regarding water disputes? Unless eligible for a compliance dismissal, you must enter one of these pleas:
   • Not Guilty: Denies guilt and requires the State to prove the charge. This plea preserves all your rights and doesn't prevent changing to guilty or no contest later.
   • Guilty: Admits commission of the cited offense.
   • Nolo Contendere (No Contest): Indicates you don't contest the State's charge. Unlike a guilty plea, this cannot be used against you in civil damage suits.
2. What if I'm a juvenile? You must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Court date notifications will be mailed by the Municipal Court Clerk to the address listed on the citation.
3. What happens after I enter a plea? If pleading guilty or no contest, you'll be found guilty and should be prepared to pay the fine. If unable to pay in full, be ready to document and explain your financial situation. If pleading not guilty, you may hire an attorney or represent yourself. For fine-only offenses, appointed counsel isn't available. Self-representation means no one else can assist you at trial.
4. What trial options are available? You have the right to a jury trial, or you may waive this right and request a "bench trial" before a judge only.
5. What dismissal options exist?
   • No Liability Insurance: May be dismissed with proof that insurance was valid when the offense occurred. Court verification required.
   • Expired Driver's License: May be dismissed with a $20.00 fee if you show proof of renewal by the court date on your citation.
   • Deferred Disposition: Available for qualifying offenses. Requires payment equivalent to window fine plus special fees, with no citations/convictions during the deferral period. Must be requested by the citation appearance date. Not available for commercial license holders or those exceeding speed limit by 25+ mph.
   • Driver's Safety Course: May dismiss one moving traffic violation. Written request required by your appearance date, along with administrative fee and court costs. Unavailable if you lack a valid TX license (military exempt), have no insurance proof, hold a CDL, exceeded speed limit by 25+ mph, passed a school bus, left the scene, or were cited in a work zone with workers present.