By Louie Graves
Leader staff
The idea was four years in the making; digging began in August of 2015; and the Nashville Rural Water Association hopes to have its $2.8 million water line project in service by March 1.
Ryan Stuckey, NRWA systems manager, explains that the project, which put 22 miles of blue pipe in the ground, will supplement existing service. There are no new customers; but the system will not be so strained during times of peak demand. About 90% of the pipe is larger diameter, usually 10-12 inches.
“We can meet the demand and easily keep up,” he told The Nashville Leader, Friday.
All of the pipe is in the ground, and testing for leaks is underway. That testing is expected to conclude this week, then disinfecting of the lines will begin.
The project was financed 100% by a loan from USDA Rural Development, and the loan has a 40-year payout.
Improvements include some new pumps, moving older pumps to new places, and a new generator which can keep the system operating even in the event of loss of electricity.
The system has about 2,800 meters but not all are currently in service. There are also about 1,000 chicken and swine operations which use the treated water, purchased from the city of Nashville.
Stuckey said that the existence of the water association has benefitted the Nashville area because of rural residential and agricultural development. Among the customers which will benefit is the new Pilgrim’s Pride feed mill which will be constructed north of Nashville. Another customer is Howard Memorial Hospital and its growing campus.
At the end of the project there could be a surplus of about $120,000 and Stuckey says he hopes the board of directors will approve purchase of another electricity generator.
The association was incorporated in 1986, and received its first funding for projects in May of 1990.
Current officers include: Mark Dowdy, president, Steve Myers, vice-president, Velma Williamson, Eddie Dyer, Jeremy Allmon, Randy Hughes, Danny Raulerson and Sam Ragar. Longtime treasurer Alvin Vaughn resigned in January.