The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership formally affirmed the downstream intake and raw water transmission portions of the Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) Long-Term Water Supply Program during its meeting Monday, August 10, marking a crucial step forward in securing reliable, sustainable water service for the region’s future.
Monday’s decision completes a two-part affirmation by the Partnership. The vote follows last month’s unanimous approval of the proposed CPWS water treatment facility, officially endorsing the comprehensive project as a vital initiative for the long-term health and preservation of the Duck River.
By endorsing both the infrastructure expansion and the overall supply strategy, the Partnership recognized CPWS’s proactive measures to balance growing municipal water demands with environmental stewardship.
"This full affirmation from the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership validates years of diligent planning and science-based forecasting," said Jack Baxter, interim president and CEO of CPWS. "Securing our community's water future while safeguarding the Duck River's delicate ecosystem must go hand in hand. The Partnership’s support reinforces that this project is not only necessary for our region’s source water needs, but fundamentally right for the long-term health of our river."
The CPWS Long-Term Water Supply Program is designed to meet existing and expanding residential and industrial capacity needs across the service area while minimizing environmental impact on the river’s natural flow and biodiversity. With the Partnership’s formal backing, CPWS will continue to seek guidance and approval of parity from the Tennessee Local Development Authority for their two major funding sources — $75 million from the State Revolving Fund and $315 million from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan.