In the early 1990’s, a group of concerned Simonton Lake Homeowners met to discuss ways to improve the lake’s water quality. It was determined that the best way was to have a community sewer system to improve ground water conditions and stop septic systems from seeping into the lake.

After several general meetings with area homeowners, it was obvious that a mandatory hook up system was not possible. If 51% of the homes would commit to hook up, the Simonton Lake Conservancy District would be the first voluntary system in the state of Indiana. The law firm of Blachly, Tabor, Buzik & Hartman was hired to set up the conservancy district and guide us through the legal process following the State of Indiana Rules for Conservancies. The Simonton Lake Conservancy District was officially established in 1995.

The engineering firm of McMahon & Associates was hired to design and oversee construction of the system. With the Conservancy and design in place, the bid process began. Selge Construction won the bid, financing the construction was through the Indiana Bond Bank by procuring a 20 year bond payable semiannually. Additional funds were also received through a grant from The Build Indiana Fund.

The Conservancy District boundaries around the lake were divided into five districts. Five volunteers were appointed as Board Members to oversee the construction and the financial obligations of the Conservancy. A secretary was hired to set up the financial system, handle homeowner payments, financial ledgers and the day-to-day operation for the conservancy. Construction was completed and the system went on line September 1999.

November 2015, the district again hired the law firm of Blachly, Tabor, Buzik & Hartman to amend the current district plan by adding additional “Purposes”. These Purposes would include “Improving Drainage”, “Developing Forests, Wildlife and Recreational Areas”, “Preventing the Loss of Topsoil from Injurious Water Erosion” and “Operation, Maintenance and Improvements”. Also, by adding these additional purposes, it gave the district the ability to assess a Special Assessment Tax from all district land freeholders to generate funds for future projects. These additional Purposes were approved by the courts June 23, 2017.

In addition to adding the Purposes, Cardno Inc., an engineering firm was hired to develop a Watershed Management Plan that would target areas around the lake that need addressed in the future such as environmental, drainage and flooding issues and additional dredging. Your Simonton Lake Conservancy District Board of Directors intent is to follow that plan and address the needs of our lake. Any input from you, the homeowner is always welcome and we intend to look at all suggestions you may have.

The complete “District Master Plan” and the “Watershed Management Plan” can be found on this web site by clicking on the appropriate buttons below.