In recent weeks, there has been discussion in the Bristol community concerning the reliability of the municipal water supply because of the drought conditions this year.  According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, 2007 is the driest year in the past 118 years, with average rainfalls above Chattanooga at 58% of normal.  In joint discussions, leaders from both sides agree that there is a need to address drought related questions in order to ease any uncertainty that water customers may have. 

As each city's responsible manager of the water supply system, Jeff Broughton, Bristol, TN City Manager, and Wes Rosenbalm, Bristol Virginia Utilities' (BVU) President and CEO, answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

1) Is Bristol in any immediate danger of having its water supply limited or compromised in any way?

Jeff Broughton – As of November 14, 2007, TVA estimates that the South Holston Reservoir contains 31 billion gallons of usable water storage.  This amount of water is equivalent to 15 years of supply for our customers and is a 10 year supply of the combined water needs of Bristol TN and VA.  

Wes Rosenbalm – Although Governor Kaine recently called for statewide voluntary water conservation efforts, Bristol, VA is not in an emergency with its water supply.  However, as with any natural resource, taking active steps toward water conservation by Bristol Virginia's water users are encouraged by BVU.

2) What is the source of water for our community?

Broughton – The Bristol TN water supply is the South Holston River below TVA's South Holston Dam. 

Rosenbalm – Bristol, VA's water supply is from the South Holston river channel, and we have the ability to pull from South Holston Lake above TVA's South Holston Dam. 

3)  In our area, when was the last time our water supply was this low?

Broughton – In 1956, the reservoir reached a record low level of 1,614.2' MSL.  This level is 78 feet lower than today.  Even at this extreme low, TVA was still able to move water through the dam and provide water downstream to our raw water intake.

Rosenbalm – Approximately 30 years ago, TVA purposefully drained South Holston Lake to do maintenance work on its turbines.  At that time, TVA dropped the water supply to its lowest level since the mid-1950s and Bristol, VA was still able to maintain its water supply to consumers.

4) Are there any upsides to the current situation?

Broughton – We intuitively knew that we had an ample water supply and an intake location that would assure continued service.  Due to concerns raised this year, we were able to look deeper into this issue and reassure ourselves that our intuition is backed with quantifiable data.

Rosenbalm – For Bristol, VA, this situation has presented us with a great opportunity.  Although we are not approaching an emergency level, the reservoir is lower than it has been since 1997, which enables us to take advantage of these lower-than-normal water levels by doing maintenance work at our intake facility.

5)  If the drought continues through the winter and into next spring, what will happen?

Broughton – The location of our intake in the tail-waters of South Holston dam puts our water system in first position of receiving water released from the reservoir.  In general, as long as the South Fork and Middle Fork of the Holston River are flowing at even the lowest flows, we should have adequate water at our intake.  We continuously monitor our water supply and, if threatened in the future, will respond appropriately based on the conditions' requirements.

Rosenbalm – BVU is assessing long-term planning by adopting a thorough Drought Management Response Plan that would be implemented in the event of a water crisis, whether that is next year or anytime in the future.  This Plan is under review by legal counsel and will require the passage of ordinances to be presented to City Council.  Measures are in place to maintain specific water levels at our intake facility in the event of such a crisis.  We do not foresee having to implement any extraordinary measures.

6) Do Bristol TN and VA have the ability to support the water needs of each other?

Yes.  The cities have an interconnection between their water systems that allows either system to provide up to 2 million gallons per day to the other system in times of need.  This amount would supply nearly one-half of BVU's daily demand or one-third of Bristol, TN's daily demand.  This is an excellent backup source that allows the cities reliably to serve customers on both sides of the state line.

7) Do Bristol TN and VA have emergency water plans?

Yes.  Bristol TN has an Emergency Water Plans that would be implemented in the event of a water emergency.  BVU is currently creating a written Drought Management Response Plan, which has been sent to counsel for legal review.  This plan will also require passage of implementing ordinances by City Council.   Both municipal entities would use every available resource to notify consumers about any restricted water usage requirements associated with these plans.

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Photos Courtesy of Malcolm J. Wilson and Bristol News Paper 
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