Key Takeaways
- Indiana American Water and U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan previewed a new American Water Training Facility in Gary, Indiana, on July 24, 2026.
- The facility, located at 650 Madison Street, represents a nearly $1.8 million investment and is expected to officially open this fall.
- It is designed as an outdoor “mini-city” where employees can practice real-world field scenarios before performing them in the community.
- Training will cover production, field services, construction, and future water applications.
- The center is expected to benefit Indiana American Water’s workforce statewide, including nearly 100 United Steelworkers employees, through expanded access to safety and certification training.
Indiana American Water Previews New Training Facility
Indiana American Water and U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan previewed the company’s new American Water Training Facility in Gary, a hands-on learning site built to strengthen workforce readiness ahead of its official opening this fall. The facility, located at 650 Madison Street, represents a nearly $1.8 million investment in training, safety, and long-term operational performance.
An Outdoor “Mini-City” for Hands-On Training
The center is designed as an outdoor mini-city, giving employees a controlled setting to practice real-world field scenarios before carrying them out in the community. Training at the site will cover production, field services, construction, and future water applications.
“Indiana American Water is proud to invest in a facility that directly supports the people who keep safe, reliable water service flowing for communities across Northwest Indiana. This training center gives our employees the opportunity to build skills in a practical, hands-on environment while strengthening safety, operational excellence and career development,” said Barry Suits, President of Indiana American Water.
Reaching Workers Statewide
The organization said the facility is expected to benefit its workforce across the state, including nearly 100 United Steelworkers employees, by expanding access to practical training tied to skill development, safety, certification readiness, and future leadership roles in the water sector.
“Thank you to all of the leaders of Indiana American Water for their commitment to workforce development, infrastructure reliability, and preparing the next generation of workers to support the essential services our communities depend on every day,” said Congressman Frank Mrvan.
Investing in the Water Workforce
The Gary facility adds to a broader industry push to train the next generation of water system operators as utilities across the country face workforce shortages tied to retirements and rising technical demands on treatment and distribution systems.
