Corps Expects Center Hill to Dip Below Acceptable Levels

Water levels at Center Hill Lake could dip below the reach of municipal water suppliers in the next few months.

The Army Corps of Engineers reduced the target lake level by 15 feet in February to decrease pressure on the leaky Center Hill Dam as it undergoes major repairs. The Corps’ Bob Sneed says a lack of rainfall has kept the water elevation from stabilizing since then.

“We haven’t seen lake levels at Center Hill this low since 1956, so this is an extreme event. We’ve projected that if conditions remain dry, we’ll be probably right around 619 or a little lower by the end of the year.”

At an elevation of 618 feet, the intake for the Smithville municipal water supply would no longer be submerged. The utility is working to purchase a $100,000 floating pump to ensure a steady flow even if that happens.

Only rainfall can stem the tide. Corps officials say they don’t have the power to raise the lake level now. They’re required to release a minimal amount through the dam to keep the Cumberland River system navigable for barge traffic.

The city of Cookeville also gets its water from Center Hill, but its intake is several feet below the projected low-point.

WEB EXTRA:

Bob Sneed says rainfall is part of the problem, but run-off is the main culprit. With last year’s dry weather, the ground is soaking up most of the rain before it makes it to lakes and streams. By the Corps’ count, runoff is 19% of normal this year.