In a decisive move, the Columbia City Council convened on Thursday evening and voted 5-2 in favor of a substantial increase in water rates, which could rise by nearly 150% over the next five years. This decision has ignited significant public dissent, as reported by WSMV 4. City officials assert that the rate hike is essential to fund a project aimed at increasing the amount of water that can be sourced from the Duck River. However, advocates have raised concerns that this river may become overtaxed due to the anticipated population growth in Maury County.
At present, the average monthly bill for customers stands at approximately $35. Under the proposed rate structure, residential customers could see their bills increase by an additional $7 to $14 each month. Columbia Power and Water Systems (CPWS) has indicated that this projected increase represents a maximum limit, suggesting that the actual rise may be lower as the project advances.
The council chamber was filled to capacity prior to the vote, with numerous residents and business owners expressing their apprehensions for several hours. Some attendees voiced their belief that the steep increase unfairly places the financial burden on local residents, while others defended the hike as a necessary measure to meet the escalating demand for water resources.
During a recent study session, Maury County Commissioner Gabe Howard emphasized the importance of transparency, urging that the public should be informed about any alternative solutions before the council commits to the proposed increase. In response to the water challenges facing the Duck River, the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership was established last winter by Governor Bill Lee. This partnership has been investigating long-term strategies, including the possibility of constructing a pipeline from the Tennessee River, raising the Normandy Dam, or revisiting the previously shelved Columbia Dam project. Initial findings from this partnership are expected to be released in November 2025, with further research required on the feasibility of a Tennessee River pipeline.
CPWS and city officials maintain that the approved project is “shovel-ready” and could be completed by 2029, whereas alternative solutions may take a decade or more to implement. A representative from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation informed the council that the necessary permits have been granted and indicated that no immediate alternatives appear to be viable.
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