Since Portland is the only water utility in Sumner County not connected to the Cumberland River/Old Hickory Lake system for its raw water supply, drought is a constant threat.

The drought in 2007 caused the State to issue a Planning Study in 2011, highlighting the difficulty it caused. Stating that Portland suffered the most. Click here to read the full document: https://ourcityportlandtn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2011-Water-Resources.pdf

Now in 2024, Portland once again faced the possibility that thousands of customers would be without water since the raw water supply was drying up. Then hurricane Helene brought 3-inches more rainfall in one week than the average for the whole month of September.

To better understand the need, watch this short video here:  https://youtu.be/BJKWrOFrpMg

For decades, Portland has sought solutions and help, but each possible solution came at a price that was either too steep to afford, or the project was denied. This community needs the weight of the Federal and State governments to bring about a solution that will enable the rural parts of Robertson and Sumner counties to adequate drinking water.