Economic Benefits | Environmental Protection | Public Health and Safety
Clean water is vital to life. The average person uses 50 gallons of water a day. In Nashville, our water comes from the Cumberland River. The water is cleaned and transported to over 174,000 businesses and homes by the department of Metro Water Services. The water department is also responsible for collecting and treating wastewater and providing stormwater services. All of these services are supported by an extensive infrastructure system, including 2,994 miles of pressurized water mains, 44 water reservoirs and 57 pumping stations. The cost of operating and maintaining this infrastructure is solely supported through revenues generated from rates customers pay for services, meaning Metro Water Services does not receive general tax funds.
The Journey of Your Water
Prior to the introduction of the Clean Water Infrastructure Program, Metro Water rates had not increased for over a decade. In fact, in 1999 rates were adjusted down. These lower rates were not sufficient to cover all operating costs and the cost of a necessary capital improvement program. While Nashville has an ample water supply through the Cumberland River, it is necessary to continually invest in our water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure to ensure we have plenty of safe, clean drinking water now and in the future.
The Clean Water Infrastructure Program (CWIP) will:
- Provide economic benefits. By making necessary capital investments now, we will prevent further deterioration of our infrastructure, which could lead to more costly repairs in the future.
- Protect our environment by meeting the requirements of the Clean Water Act by eliminating sewer overflows and properly addressing issues with stormwater runoff.
- Ensure public health and safety by maintaining a system that provides safe, clean drinking water and a sufficient water supply for fire protection.
Overview of Clean Water Infrastructure Program
The program overview includes a summary of the rate adjustments, a copy of the legislation and the PowerPoint presentation made to the Metro Council, among other useful information.
Questions and Comments
Most questions can be answered through the Frequently Asked Questions list. E-mail other questions or comments to cwip@nashville.gov.
Questions which are not addressed through this web site, please email Sonia Harvat.