Corps Concerned about Water Level at Old Hickory Lake

The Army Corps of Engineers says the draw of water from Old Hickory Lake may be a problem.

Portions of Davidson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale and Wilson Counties get their drinking water from Old Hickory Lake. But the main purpose for the man-made lake is to generate electricity as water moves through the dam and control flooding.

Corps officers say the water draws may be dropping water levels to a level that’s too low for those purposes. That’s especially important now that less water than usual is coming down the Cumberland to Old Hickory thanks to work being done on two dams upstream.

The Corps has issued a moratorium on any increase in the amount of water taken from the lake. It has also started a study to see if the amount being drawn is more than enters the lake naturally due to runoff.