The need to monitor and mitigate the negative effects of ground and surface water shortages became a reality during the intense drought of 1988. In 1991, the Indiana General Assembly enacted Indiana Code 13‐2‐6.1 (since repealed) that required the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to develop a response plan when water shortages threaten: (1) the health, safety, welfare, or economic well‐being of the citizens or (2) the environment of any part of Indiana.

The initial Indiana Water Shortage Plan report was completed in 1994. Indiana Code 14‐25‐14 was enacted (since repealed) in 2006 resulting in the appointment of a Water Shortage Task Force to administer and update Indiana’s Water Shortage Plan. Composed of a diverse and experienced group of experts, the Task Force completed a revised Water Shortage Plan in July 2009. The most recent revision to Indiana’s Water Shortage Plan was completed in March 2015 and an update is planned for 2021.

The flash drought of 2012 re-focused attention on both the localized and widespread impacts of such a natural disaster. A primary activity of the Division of Water is to provide early detection of drought and its impacts through continuous monitoring of water resources. Currently, in partnership with state and federal agencies, the Division of Water coordinates a team of over 40 water resource professionals to assess water and soil moisture conditions across Indiana. The Indiana Drought Monitor Advisory Team provides detailed recommendations to the author of U.S. Drought Monitor each week.