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CPWS to Relocate Main Water Intake, Launching $520 Million Infrastructure Project

Issue #597

October 28, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌧️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Rain w/ high of 53, low of 46

📰 CPWS to Relocate Main Water Intake, Launching $520 Million Infrastructure Project

👉 Free Tickets: Join Nate Bargatze’s New Comedy Game Show Live in Nashville!

🗓 List of Upcoming Events
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Read Last Week’s Local Business Spotlight! 👇
From Army Boots to Circuit Breakers: The Story Behind Mr. Electric of Columbia 

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

CPWS to Relocate Main Water Intake, Launching $520 Million Infrastructure Project

Columbia Power and Water Systems (CPWS) is preparing to move its main water intake from the downtown dam to Williamsport, marking one of the largest infrastructure projects in its history. The new system will draw up to 32 million gallons of water per day from the Duck River and carry it through 17 miles of pipeline to the treatment facility on Nashville Highway. Construction is expected to begin next spring and take about three years to complete.

The existing intake above the old dam currently draws around 15–17 million gallons daily under a 20-million-gallon permit. The new intake, approved by TDEC for a 32 MGD capacity, will initially operate at current demand levels. To handle the larger volume, CPWS will demolish the former American Legion Post 19 building next to its current facility and construct a new $170 million treatment plant capable of processing 12 million gallons per day alongside the existing 20 MGD plant.

Officials say the relocation isn’t due to necessity—since the old intake can still handle 32 MGD—but to improve environmental sustainability and system redundancy. The Williamsport site is expected to better preserve aquatic life, as studies found a more diverse mussel population near the downtown dam that could benefit from reduced water withdrawals. The new intake will also feature a protective screen to prevent fish and wildlife from being drawn in.

Additionally, the Williamsport location will allow CPWS to reclaim and reuse much of its treated wastewater—potentially recapturing up to two-thirds of what currently flows downstream unused. The change may even enhance the local ecosystem by increasing oxygen levels in the water through light circulation.

Planning for the project began in 2015 and received final regulatory approval in spring 2025 after years of studies, reviews, and feedback from environmental and conservation groups.

The total cost of the project is estimated at around $520 million, including about $500 million in construction and an additional $20 million in permitting and land costs. CPWS Vice President Matt Wheeler explained that without new pipelines and treatment facilities, no additional water supply would reach Maury County residents, regardless of future sources. The project will be funded through a mix of federal, state, and local loans and bonds.

Roughly half of the project—49 percent—will be financed through a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan from the EPA. This long-term loan will allow CPWS to repay over 40 years with low interest and a five-year grace period before payments begin. Another $135 million will come from a State Revolving Fund loan, with the remainder covered by bonds and revenue payments. CPWS Communications Specialist Chris Yow said repayment will rely on these funding sources first, along with possible impact fees, before considering any rate increases.

Wheeler emphasized that without the WIFIA loan, customers could face steep rate hikes due to inflation and rising construction costs. CPWS is currently conducting a rate study to determine potential impacts on water bills, expected to be finalized by the end of the year. President Jonathan Hardin added that rate increases would be the last resort, only considered after all other funding options are exhausted.

The new water source will support future growth across Maury County, potentially serving 30,000 to 50,000 additional households and several high-demand industrial users. While CPWS doesn’t control local development, officials said the project ensures the county can meet rising water needs while continuing to attract quality employers and industries with strong environmental standards.

The new intake and treatment expansion are expected to meet the community’s water needs for up to 20 years, giving leaders time to plan for the next century of growth. CPWS officials said they remain committed to exploring long-term solutions while completing this key project—nearly a decade in the making.

Free Tickets: Join Nate Bargatze’s New Comedy Game Show Live in Nashville!

Hey Nate Bargatze Fans — You’re Invited!

Be part of a brand-new game show hosted by Nate Bargatze in Nashville!

Nashville Municipal Auditorium

November 1–4, 2025

Join us for the taping of a hilarious new comedy game show hosted by Nate Bargatze! Three contestants will battle it out to prove they’re anything but average — and one lucky winner will take home the average American salary of $67,920!

This family-friendly show is full of laugh-out-loud moments as contestants try to guess how everyday Americans answered outrageous questions.

Tickets are completely FREE, but space is limited — grab yours now before they’re gone! 

Audience Info:

Must be 12+ to attend
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the live studio audience and see Nate Bargatze in person for this all-new comedy game show!

Upcoming Local Events

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Tuesday, October 28th

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Saturday, November 1st ⏰ SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR TONIGHT!

Sunday, November 2nd

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, October 28th

Austin Gray – Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30–7:30 PM
Joseph Hadebank - The Mulehouse - Free Concert, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 29th

Wilson Fairchild - The Mulehouse - Free Concert, 7:00 PM

Thursday, October 30th

Todd Ciprian – Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Maury County Community Band – EA Cox Middle School, 6:30 PM
Jordan Priest – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, October 31st

Brendan Gentry – Buck & Board, 5–8 PM
The Smithstons – Twisted Copper Brewing Co., 7 PM
South Bound Crows – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, November 1st

Halloween Karaoke – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 6–10 PM
Fall Series – The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Ryan Stevenson – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
MFT – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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