Several Middle Tennessee cities are urging residents to conserve water as drought conditions are expected to persist across the state. While the remnants of Tropical Storm Francine are forecasted to pass through West and Middle Tennessee, the National Weather Service in Nashville warns that the rain won’t be enough to alleviate the drought entirely.

Spring Hill, located about 30 miles south of Nashville, is the latest city to implement water conservation measures. It joins Portland and Franklin as the third town to do so, and more cities are expected to follow suit as the drought worsens.

How Many Cities Are Affected?

Currently, three cities—Portland, Franklin, and Spring Hill—have officially requested water conservation. More cities are expected to announce similar measures, especially those near the Duck River, a critical water source for many Middle Tennessee communities.

Portland, split between Robertson and Sumner Counties, issued a water shortage alert on September 6, citing low levels at City Lake and a lack of rainfall. City officials warned that Portland’s raw water supply is approaching emergency levels.

Franklin, the county seat of Williamson County, issued a request for residents to stop all non-essential water usage on September 4. The city is in a Stage 1 emergency water shortage.

Spring Hill, along with other cities in the Duck River Basin, implemented voluntary conservation at the request of the Duck River Agency. This agency has managed the region’s water resources for nearly 60 years, overseeing water development in Bedford, Coffee, Hickman, Marshall, and Maury Counties.

Why Is the Duck River So Low?

Doug Murphy, Executive Director of the Duck River Agency, explains that the low water levels in the Duck River are primarily due to drought, not overuse. “There’s a lot of perception that the river is being drained because of water withdrawals and growth, but the withdrawals haven’t changed since we started seeing these low levels,” Murphy said.

The Duck River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world, flowing nearly 300 miles through seven Middle Tennessee counties. Its unique geology, including limestone formations that allow water to flow underground, exacerbates the issue. During droughts, about 25% of the river’s water is lost to these underground formations, further reducing the flow.

Murphy explains that when the water table drops during a drought, the river effectively tries to refill the groundwater, leading to even more loss. This natural process makes the Duck River particularly vulnerable during periods of low rainfall.

Why Is Water Conservation Necessary?

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that most of Tennessee is either abnormally dry or in moderate drought, with some areas facing extreme drought conditions. In the Duck River watershed, a D3 drought is especially concerning because it threatens wildlife, in addition to human water needs.

In response, the Duck River Agency declared a Stage 1 River Drought after nearly two weeks of deliberation. “We’re just trying to be good stewards and protect the river,” Murphy said. He added that reducing water usage now helps prevent more drastic measures later, such as drawing unsustainable amounts of water from the river.

How Can Residents Conserve Water?

Residents are being asked to eliminate non-essential water use. This includes activities like irrigation, washing cars, filling pools, and outdoor recreational water use. Even small reductions can collectively make a big impact on the water supply.

Is There Hope for Improvement?

Tropical Storm Francine, currently in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to bring some relief later in the week. The National Weather Service predicts three to four inches of rain for West and Middle Tennessee between Thursday and Saturday. However, meteorologists caution that multiple storms would be needed to fully recover from the drought.

The areas west of Interstate 65, near the Tennessee River, are currently facing the most severe drought conditions in the state.

What’s Next for the Duck River?

The Duck River Agency has formed a Drought Response Team composed of state and local officials. This team will meet weekly to monitor the situation and adjust their response as needed. Their focus will be on using data and scientific models to make informed decisions about water conservation and management.

“The goal is to protect the Duck River and ensure a sustainable water supply for all—residents, businesses, and wildlife,” Murphy said. The agency’s long-term plans for managing water resources are continually evolving to address the challenges posed by recurring droughts.

The Impact on Businesses

For businesses in the region, such as a Nashville motorcycle accident attorney, these water shortages can have significant implications. Reduced water availability can lead to increased operational costs, impact client services, and even disrupt daily operations. Law firms, especially those handling environmental or resource-related cases, may see a rise in demand for legal expertise related to water rights, business impact mitigation, and municipal regulations during drought conditions.

Attorneys can help businesses navigate the legal complexities of operating under water restrictions, ensuring compliance with conservation efforts and safeguarding against potential penalties. In cities like Nashville, where economic growth continues to boom, understanding the legal ramifications of environmental issues like water conservation becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining sustainable business practices.

As Tennessee grapples with ongoing droughts, businesses and individuals alike must collaborate to conserve water and protect essential resources for future generations.