Water Conservation New Reality for Metro

It will be at least another week of shortened showers, deferred flushing and delayed laundry in Nashville. Metro Water Services is still in the initial clean up phase of restoring one of its two drinking water treatment plants.

Residents of Nashville and parts of Williamson County have been heeding the request to conserve. Metro Water Services chief Scott Potter says the reserves, which had been dwindling, have doubled.

“We went from 43% on the 4th of May to 88% at noon today. I really appreciate everyone’s efforts. I need that to continue because this is kind of our new reality for a while in the water department.”

Potter has been hesitant to nail down a timeline for restoring the K.R. Harrington plant in Donelson, which was completely submerged by the Cumberland River. Now he says it will be at least a week, but likely longer. He says only now are they able to pressure wash river grime from the inside of a nine million gallon tank, where the water runs through a maze of chlorine filters. Next the custom electronics and instrumentation have to be replaced, all before the strict water quality testing begins.

Two people remain missing in Davidson County after historic flooding last weekend. One is a man whose car was found without him in it. The other is a teenager who was trying to raft down Mill Creek.

Earlier: Senate Eyes Proof Of Citizenship To Vote
Later: Dean Renews State of Emergency