Metro Water Services operates reclaimed-water and biosolids programs at its Central, Dry Creek, and Whites Creek wastewater plants. Treated effluent meets Cumberland River discharge permits, and a portion supports onsite reuse, irrigation pilots, and beneficial biosolids land application.
MWS holds NPDES permits issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for the three regional wastewater treatment plants. Treated effluent is discharged to the Cumberland River under strict nutrient and bacteria limits. Plant-scale reclaimed water supports onsite uses such as washdown and chlorination. MWS biosolids meet Class B standards under federal 40 CFR Part 503 and are land-applied at permitted agricultural sites in surrounding counties under TDEC oversight. A purple-pipe distribution system for residential reclaimed water is not currently offered. Pilot reuse projects at Metro facilities and parks evaluate non-potable irrigation feasibility.
Discharging unauthorized industrial waste to the sanitary sewer can incur major civil penalties under MWS pretreatment rules, often exceeding 1,000 dollars per day per violation, plus cost recovery for plant upset.
Nashville, TN
Metro Water Services accepts leak reports through hubNashville and direct customer service. Residential customers who fix qualifying underground or hidden le...
Nashville, TN
Metro Nashville requires stormwater management under Title 15, Chapter 15.64 of the Metropolitan Code. All development must comply with the Metro Stormwater ...
See how Nashville's recycled water rules rules stack up against other locations.
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