Largest wastewater investment in Aqua Indiana’s Hoosier State history to enhance service reliability.
Aqua Indiana marked a major milestone today as company leadership, local officials, and community partners gathered to break ground on the expansion of the Midwest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Fort Wayne. The project represents a $28 million investment, making it the largest capital improvement effort Aqua Indiana has undertaken in the Hoosier State. Designed to significantly boost capacity, strengthen environmental protections, and support regional growth, the expansion is set to play a pivotal role in the future of wastewater management across Northeast Indiana.
According to Aqua Indiana, the expanded facility will help ensure that communities in Allen, Huntington, and Whitley Counties continue to receive reliable wastewater services as the region experiences steady residential and commercial development. With local populations increasing and demand on infrastructure rising, the project is both timely and essential for maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship and public health protection.
“This expansion ensures continued reliable service for our customers as the Fort Wayne region grows,” said Sadzi Oliva, President of Aqua Indiana. “By investing in advanced treatment technology and increased capacity, we’re protecting what matters most – our customers’ health, our local waterways, and the future of this community. This infrastructure investment will serve the Fort Wayne region for generations to come.”
Supporting Regional Growth and Environmental Protection
The Midwest Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion is designed to address several key regional needs. First, it will enable the plant to manage greater volumes of wastewater as new housing developments, commercial businesses, and industrial operations expand across Northeast Indiana. The increased capacity will help local municipalities and utility systems avoid strain on existing infrastructure, ensuring continued compliance with environmental regulations.
In addition to the increased throughput, the facility upgrades include improvements aimed at reducing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows, a critical issue during heavy rains or periods of peak system demand. Enhanced odor control technologies will further help improve quality of life for surrounding neighborhoods, while updated sludge treatment processes will increase the efficiency of returning clean, safe water back to the environment.
The improvements also reflect Aqua’s long-term strategy for modernizing water and wastewater systems nationwide. Much of the infrastructure that supports communities today was built decades ago, and utilities across the country are investing heavily to upgrade outdated systems. Aqua Indiana’s expansion is part of this broader effort, recognizing that reliable water management is foundational to economic development, public health, and environmental sustainability.
A Strong Partnership for Conservation
The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted not only Aqua’s commitment to infrastructure improvement but also its strong collaboration with local environmental partners. One such partner is the Little River Wetlands Project, an organization dedicated to the restoration and protection of wetlands in the region. Wetlands play a crucial role in filtering water, reducing flooding, and supporting biodiversity, making the alignment between wastewater treatment operations and wetland conservation especially important.
“Protecting our environment and safeguarding clean water has long been at the heart of the partnership between Aqua Indiana and the Little River Wetlands Project,” said Cammy Sutter, Executive Director of the Little River Wetlands Project. “As Aqua expands its Midwest Wastewater Treatment Plant, we’re proud to continue working together as neighbors, partners, and environmental stewards dedicated to preserving the natural resources Fort Wayne and our surrounding communities depend on.”
The collaboration has included joint educational efforts, community outreach, and regular environmental monitoring to ensure that wastewater operations align with long-term ecological goals. Both organizations emphasized that reliable wastewater treatment is essential to maintaining healthy waterways, which in turn support wetlands, wildlife habitats, and safe recreational opportunities for families across the region.
Construction Timeline and Long-Term Impact
Construction on the plant expansion officially began in 2025, following extensive engineering, planning, and environmental review processes. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete, with operations scheduled to begin by 2027. Once finished, the upgraded facility will feature modernized systems capable of meeting both current and future regulatory requirements.
Long-term, the expansion is anticipated to have multiple benefits for the region:
- Enhanced reliability of wastewater services for residents, businesses, and essential institutions.
- More efficient processing that supports sustainable growth and reduces strain on local utilities.
- Improved environmental outcomes, including cleaner effluent returning to local waterways and reduced risk of system failures.
- Economic development support through infrastructure that can accommodate expanding neighborhoods and industry.
- Improved quality of life, thanks to enhanced odor management and increased system resiliency.
A Commitment to Modern Water Infrastructure
Aqua’s investment in Fort Wayne is part of the company’s broader nationwide infrastructure improvement program. Across the United States, Aqua continues to replace aging water and wastewater infrastructure—much of it built 40 to 80 years ago—to ensure modern, reliable, and environmentally responsible service for millions of customers.
“Our goal is to provide high-quality, safe, and dependable wastewater solutions,” Oliva added. “Infrastructure investment remains central to that mission, and we’re grateful to our community partners, local leaders, and regional stakeholders who share in our commitment to building a strong and sustainable water future.”
As the Fort Wayne region continues to grow, the expanded Midwest Wastewater Treatment Plant will stand as a cornerstone of the area’s environmental well-being and resilience. With its blend of advanced technology, environmental partnerships, and forward-looking planning, the project underscores Aqua Indiana’s role as a trusted provider of essential water services and a committed partner in the region’s long-term success.
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