DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Thawing from the deep freeze that has gripped the Tullahoma area for an extended period is having an impact on the water supply, with the many burst pipes and leaks caused by near-zero temperatures putting a strain on the water systems.

“Following the recent extreme cold weather, our water system is experiencing higher-than-normal demand,” TUA revealed in a statement put out to its customers. “With continued cold temperatures in the forecast, we are asking all customers to voluntarily conserve water over the next two weeks.”

The request for conservation comes with some advice on how to limit water usage.

“Right now, reducing usage where possible will help stabilize the system and allow supply levels to fully recover.”

Here’s how you can help:

• Reduce non-essential water use

• Check your home and property for leaks

• Report any suspected leaks immediately

• Avoid dripping faucets unless absolutely necessary

• If dripping is required, make sure faucets are lightly dripping — not running

“Small actions across thousands of homes make a big difference,” TUA noted. “Conserving water now not only supports the system during this high-demand period, it can also lower your monthly bill. We appreciate your cooperation and your willingness to work together. When our community pulls in the same direction, good things happen.”

TUA is not the only entity putting out a request for conservation as Duck River is also seeing an issue caused by the cold.

The General Manager of the Duck River Utility’s water intake and treatment facility, Randal Braker, has issued this request for water conservation within their service district. To all users of this public water supply, please practice water conservation.

“The DRUC is struggling with high demand coming out of that cold snap and have issued a public request for water conservation for the next two weeks,” he said. “Each system we supply will be sending it out to their customers. No one is out of water, but we are trying to be proactive and prevent a water outage problem.”

At present, Duck River is about 40% to 50% in most tanks, but they noted they cannot seem to gain any ground so we are asking for voluntary conservation.