CPWA, South Cumberland Utility Make Progress On Merger
The Cumberland Plateau Water Authority and South Cumberland Utility District making progress toward a potential merger. Authority General Manager Jeff Dyer said officials have been in contact with utilities throughout Cumberland County. Dyer said the initial discussions with South Cumberland Utility have been positive, and the four-step process of merging is moving along. “At this […]
Cumberland River Compact Retreat Shows Off Water Careers
Several Upper Cumberland Teachers were among the 16 who attended the two-day Cumberland River Compact water career retreat in Cookeville. Communications Director Meagan Hall said the Compact’s vision is to have clean and abundant water throughout the Cumberland River basin. Hall said educating teachers on water careers can help teachers show students another career opportunity. […]
Boat Dock Utility Asking For Charter Change For Wastewater
Putnam County Commissioners approved amending of the charter for the Cookeville Boat Dock Road Utility District Monday night to possibly add wastewater service. County Attorney Jeffery Jones presented the utility district’s petition. Jones said the initial charter was drafted for water service. Jones said the utility district wants the option because of increased development in […]
Blasting Underway On Caney Fork Water Treatment Project
Pit blasting underway for a project set to upgrade Spencer’s water facilities. Warren County Utility District General Manager Anthony Pelham said a new raw water intake pump station will be constructed, to take water from the Caney Fork. Pelham said Spencer’s water source is the city lake, which is full of organics, manganese, and iron. […]
Sparta Holding Fluoride Town Hall Thursday
Residents interested in the fluoride in the water debate can voice their opinion Thursday night in Sparta. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city has discussed removing fluoride from city water systems. State law requires residents be notified of the potential change. Lowery said the town hall will be a good chance for people to […]
Fall Creek Falls Boil Water Advisory Lifted After Leaks
The Fall Creek Falls Utility District has lifted the boil water advisory for Falls Creek State Park, meaning it is now safe to drink and cook with water. A boil water advisory is placed when water lines are potentially contaminated. Fall Creek Falls Utility District Commissioner Virginia Lewis said last week’s leaks caused low pressure. […]
Cookeville Gets $5.5M Loan To Finish Plant Expansion
The city of Cookeville has received a TDEC loan of some $5.5 million to finish out the water treatment plant expansion project. Water Quality Control Director Barry Turner said the city originally borrowed some $17.5 million to cover engineering and construction. Instead, the bid for construction, alone, came in at some $25.4 million. He said […]
Some $5 Million Loan Needed For Water Plant
Cookeville City Council will vote Thursday night to provide financing for the increased construction costs of its water plant expansion. Water Quality Control Director Barry Turner said the department wants to borrow up to an additional $5.5 million for the project. He said that after the department was approved for a loan in 2022, inflation […]
Water & Sewer Rate Hikes Included In Proposed Budget
Cookeville’s Water Quality Control Department proposing water and sewer rate increases in its 2025 budget. Water Quality Control Director Barry Turner said the increase is due to a spike in chemical costs. He said the price for chemicals was more than $1 million in 2023, a nearly 50 percent increase from 2022. “I know it’s […]
Spencer Applies For $20,000 Tourism Roadmap Grant
The city of Spencer has applied for a $20,000 Rural Video and Photography Asset Grant with the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. Spencer Mayor Alisa Farmer said the city sponsored a meeting with the state last week where state representatives shared opportunities to increase tourism in both the city and Van Buren County. She said […]
