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Consolidated Utility District outlines water supply needs and step-system wastewater approach as county grows
Summary
CUD presented its 2050 water demand projections, options for new supplies and its management approach to septic-tank-effluent-pumped (STEP) systems, warning the county’s current 32 MGD treatment capacity will be near peak-day demand by 2031.
The Consolidated Utility District (CUD) of Rutherford County briefed the county committee Sept. 2 on long-term water-supply planning, STEP wastewater systems and system performance in the face of rapid population growth.
Roger Goodson, general manager of CUD, told the Public Works and Planning Committee the district’s current surface-water allocation and a 32 million-gallon-per-day (MGD) treatment plant will likely be near maximum daily demand by about 2031 under the county’s 2050 growth projections. Goodson said CUD and three municipalities — Murfreesboro, Smyrna and LaVergne — have submitted a joint reallocation study request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pursue increased allocation from Percy Priest reservoir and that such a process could take three to five years.
Alan Stenicki, director of engineering at CUD, reviewed system complexity and hydraulics: CUD operates 16 pressure zones and about 1,530 miles of water main and serves roughly 76,362 customer accounts countywide. Stenicki said the district’s design standards are more conservative than TDEC’s and that the district requires reserve soils and lower loading rates for STEP systems to extend system life.
Jason Alexon, assistant director of engineering, described STEP systems (septic-tank effluent pumped) used throughout county growth areas. He said CUD operates 82 STEP treatment systems serving nearly 9,900 homes and that CUD has begun replacing recirculating sand filters — the earlier treatment technology — with premanufactured systems rated for a minimum 40-year life. Alexon said CUD audits soils carefully, requires 50% reserve soils on developments, and has hired soil scientists to work with developers on site evaluations.
CUD officials told the committee they are pursuing alternative supply options including groundwater, interconnections for purchased water, and potential reuse/irrigation projects. Goodson estimated a large new plant and intake to meet 2050 needs could cost $150–$200 million depending on the chosen source. He said CUD is exploring contractual purchases from other utilities as an interim measure and pursuing seasonal allocations through the Army Corps.
Why it matters: Rapid population growth in Rutherford County drives higher water demand and greater wastewater-management needs. CUD’s presentation outlined engineering constraints and capital cost assumptions that county planners and commissioners will need to incorporate into long-range infrastructure planning.
What’s next: CUD will continue the reallocation effort with the Army Corps and coordinate with county planning staff on development approvals, water-service availability, and capital planning.
