As the Mt. Carmel City Council gets closer to making a decision on the future of its’ drinking water supply, water commissioner Justin Dulgar is urging the public to get more involved in the process.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Dulgar said the city faces four options regarding the future of its’ drinking water…join the Wabash Valley Water Commission and buy the water; build a new water plant for $8 million, upgrade the existing facility for $5.5 million, or do nothing until forced to do so by the EPA. The Mt. Carmel water plant was built in the 1930’s and most recently upgraded in 1990 when the city switched from river water to well water. 

Dulgar said a public hearing on the matter will be held next month and he hopes local residents become engaged in the decision making process.

No matter what direction the city decides to go, Dulgar said it would be 2023 before the new facility would be ready. And even when this problem is solved, Dulgar said the city still faces the problem of aging and crumbling water lines around town.