The growing population is putting additional strain on our infrastructure, including our drinking water.    

The water we use in our homes every day is something often taken for granted. It’s inexpensive and readily available.  

But Nashville’s two water treatment plants were built in the 1800s, so there’s a question if they can withstand all the additional use that comes with our growing population.  

“Our oldest water treatment plant was built in 1889, our oldest reservoir was built in 1889. Those are both still in service. Over half of our water mains are more than 40 years old. So, we have to look at the existing facilities we have and existing infrastructure and monitor it and maintain it and determine when is right for it to be repaired,” said Sonia Allman with Metro Water Services.  

Allman told News 2 that upgrades are constantly being made.  

“The mains that we put in the ground now are typically put in the ground for 100 years is what their expected life is. However, some things we can run to full life expectancy and beyond, some things we can’t. Every single day we talk about aging infrastructure but every single day it’s getting a day older. So even new infrastructure that was just installed last year is already aging, and you know that will continue. So, it’s something that when you have 3,000 miles of main, trying to keep that 3,000 miles up,” she said.  

There is a plan in place if additional water is needed.   

“Through modeling and our master planning, we’ve looked out into 10, 20, 30 years. Right now, with our existing system, we think we should be good for 2030. We have a location for an additional water treatment plant in the future if needed,” explained Allman.  

She said the property is already purchased and the facility is being designed, and that’s half the battle.  

But there is still a big concern.  

“Funding is a concern. Our last rate increase, we had a tiered rate increase that occurred in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Prior to that, our previous rate increase was in 1996,” said Allman.  

That money is used to repair or replace parts when needed, so you could see a slight increase in your water bill as growth continues.  

Pumping capacity is also being monitored closely.  

Allman said, “A lot of residents in higher elevations have irrigation systems and irrigation systems are typically set to go on at 6 in the morning. So, when you have all those irrigation systems going on at the same time, it can be a strain on our system. Where we really have to monitor is make sure we have the capacity in those pipes to get that water to the people when they need it, the capacity in our reservoirs and also the ability to treat the amount of water that’s being used.”  

Some good news is that experts don’t see Nashville being added to the growing list of cities running out of water.  

“Both of our water treatment plants pull water from the Cumberland River, which is our source. We’re fortunate to have an abundant source. Nashville has not ever had water restrictions other than the 2010 flood,” Allman told News 2.  

Another positive is, more people mean better water quality.  

“Water has a shelf life which many people don’t realize. You don’t want water to sit in a reservoir or a pipe for an extended period of time. The chlorine residual will begin to lower, water becomes stagnant and stale. So, growth actually improves that water quality because more water is being flushed through those pipes and being used,” said Allman.  

Water officials said they’re always looking for options that are better, safer for the community and environmentally friendly.  

Allman said if we under-invest in infrastructure, we could end up like Flint, Michigan. That’s why they stay at least one step ahead in Nashville.  

News 2 tracks the historic growth in Middle Tennessee with our special Nashville 2018 reports. Click here to learn more.

For more stories featured in our “Strain on the System” special, click here.