Cities asks customers to conserve Water

The Maryville Water Quality Control Department and the City of Alcoa Public Works and Engineering Department announced that the lower than normal rainfall combined with continued high temperatures has resulted in reduced water flow in the Little River during the month of August. The Little River is the source of water for both the Maryville and Alcoa water systems.

Maryville Water Quality Control Director Jeff Rose stated that the water flow is currently under close scrutiny due to the ongoing dry conditions. “We have a very conservative approach to watching our water resources and the current water flow measurement is very low. Water flow can drop quickly if the lack of rainfall in our area persists. On the other hand, our water resources can recover very quickly when rainfall occurs and temperatures are cooler.”

At this time, the City of Maryville is requesting that its water customers voluntarily conserve water. Rose explained that this is in keeping with Phase I of the City’s Water Interruption/Drought Plan. Ceasing irrigation of plants, trees, and landscape would have the greatest effect on the system in terms of reduction. Recently the flow in Litter River at the Maryville Water Treatment Plant has hit historical record lows.

Rose said that Phase II of the City’s Water Interruption/Drought Plan would be implemented only if the low water levels persist. At that point all-non essential water uses would be prohibited. For now, water conservation is still voluntary. If we don’t get any rain in the next few days, Phase II will be implemented

Kenny Wiggins, Alcoa Director of Public Works and Engineering said that the river’s level at the Alcoa treatment plant has also reached historically low levels. Withdrawal permits issued to both the Alcoa and Maryville plants require adequate flow to support the aquatic life in the river. Alcoa’s permit is similar to Maryville’s in that continued degradation of the flow will require more stringent water conservation efforts.

Wiggins also asks that Alcoa water customers be vigilant with their water usage and practice water conservation by limiting plant irrigation and washing of vehicles. This same request applies to customers of the Tuckaleechee Utility District who are supplied water from Alcoa.

For questions or concerns, call the Maryville Water Quality Control Department at 981-3300 or the Alcoa Public Works and Engineering Office at 380-4800.