Drought Brings Abnormally Dry Conditions to the Duck River

Issue #830

October 03, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 73, low of 66

📰 Drought Brings Abnormally Dry Conditions to the Duck River

👉 Saturday: Help Stock a Fall Giveaway for Local Families in Need

🗓 List of Upcoming Events Just Updated!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Drought Brings Abnormally Dry Conditions to the Duck River

Parts of the Duck River Watershed are now in moderate to severe drought, according to the Duck River Agency. The agency, which oversees drought management for the river, says the Duck is seeing abnormally dry conditions.

According to the DRA, conditions like these can lower stream flows and put stress on both water supplies and aquatic habitats. They can also affect groundwater levels, local agriculture and people who use the river for recreation.

The concern goes beyond how the river looks. As the agency put it, "The Duck River is one of Tennessee's most significant natural resources, providing drinking water for communities, supporting agricultural and industrial uses, and sustaining one of the most biologically diverse freshwater ecosystems in North America."

The DRA is monitoring the drought along with state and federal agencies. In the meantime, it's asking residents to help by cutting back on water use where they can, and it has shared the following suggestions.

Tips for conserving water at home:

  • Repair leaking faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems.

  • Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.

  • Take shorter showers and turn off water when not in use.

  • Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

Tips for conserving water outdoors:

  • Water lawns only when necessary (1 to 2 times per week) and during early morning or evening hours.

  • Leave lawns slightly longer, which helps retain soil moisture.

  • Reduce landscape watering to 1 to 2 times per week at most.

  • Consider drought-tolerant plants and landscaping practices.

  • Use mulch to retain soil moisture.

  • Avoid washing vehicles and driveways unless necessary. Use commercial car washes.

  • Collect rainwater where allowed and practical.

Saturday: Help Stock a Fall Giveaway for Local Families in Need

Local non-profit Rubies & Rogues is popping up at Love, Rae Grace Boutique this Saturday to collect donations for their upcoming fall community event (10/10) - which is a clothing and hygiene giveaway for families in need.

Saturday, October 3 | 4–6 PM
Love, Rae Grace Boutique
5075 Main St D2 (Spring Hill)

From their recent announcement…  

Everything collected will be given completely FREE to local families experiencing hardship at our community event next weekend.

We are collecting fall and winter clothing, shoes, hygiene essentials, diapers, wipes, socks, underwear, and other family necessities.

If you are donating clothing, please make sure all items are clean and in good condition. Bonus points if clothing is already sorted by size and labeled — our volunteers will love you forever.

Can’t make it Saturday? You can also help by shopping our Community Event Amazon Wishlist

AND WE HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST…

Velma the Great Dane is making her event debut! Velma would LOVE to meet you while you drop off your donations, and she may even bring a doggy friend or two along with her. And yes — Velma is available for adoption!

Come say hi, drop off a donation, help us fill those vehicles, and help us get ready to serve families in our community next weekend.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, October 3rd

Sunday, October 4th

Monday, October 5th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, October 3
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Nick Bentley - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
TBA - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Vintage Voltage - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Lucie Tiger - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM

Sunday, October 4
Maddie Rose - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Twisted Sunday Jam - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 3-7 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk