Water Supply

Although the Tennessee Valley usually receives abundant rainfall, averaging 52 inches per year, several extended dry periods during the past 15 years have heightened public awareness of water as a limited resource and raised questions concerning the availability of water in the Tennessee River watershed. Increasingly, water is seen as a scarce resource that must be protected and managed.

The Tennessee River watershed will add about 1.4 million more residents to the existing 4.5 million by the year 2030, according to recent projections by TVA and the U.S. Geological Survey. Additionally, growth in urban areas around the region, some of which are already facing water supply challenges, will increase pressure on the Tennessee Valley’s water resources.

TVA is working with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and communities across the Tennessee Valley to meet these challenges. The goal is to ensure adequate, sustainable supplies of water for the region’s continued growth.

Managing the Tennessee River for water supply

TVA’s integrated management of the Tennessee River provides water for a wide range of public benefits. These include water for drinking, industrial use, and agriculture; for generating hydropower and cooling nuclear and fossil power plant components; and for navigation, recreation, and habitat for plant and animal life.

In some cases, these uses of water compete, especially under drought conditions. TVA is committed to developing regional partnerships to address these conflicts and help respond to the population and environmental pressures of the coming decades. Learn more about TVA’s water supply activities.

Water conservation

Conserving water not only reduces the demand we put on our water supply, it’s also good for the environment. Valley communities that use less water produce less wastewater, which includes runoff from lawns, sewage, soapy water from car-washing, and other sources. When there’s less wastewater flowing into our streams and rivers, water quality increases. Users downstream have cleaner water for drinking, swimming, fishing, and use by industry.

Water conservation also contributes to cleaner air by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat, transport, and process water. These water and energy savings will show up on our utility bills. Find out what you can do to conserve water.

Water supply news

Find out about water supply initiatives at TVA, water conferences, partnerships, and other water supply news.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions about obtaining a water intake permit, improving water quality around intakes, interbasin transfers, and more.

TVA contact information

For more information, please contact:
Gene Gibson, Manager, Water Supply: 865-632-6306
Chuck Bohac, Specialist: 423-751-7319
Gary Springston, Environmental Engineer: 423-751-7336