Sewer Separation Projects
In November 2022, Clean Water Nashville, an initiative of Metro Water Services, began work on a three sewer separation projects to replace aging infrastructure and address combined sewer overflows. The three project areas include:
Those project areas include some of Metro’s oldest sewers, which were originally built to convey both sanitary sewage and stormwater within a single pipe network, known as a combined sewer system. When the capacity of the pipe network is exceeded during rain events, the system is designed to discharge excess flows through combined sewer overflows. Although these combined sewer overflow locations are permitted by the state, discharges may impact water quality in the Cumberland River.
The sewer separation projects will address overflows by separating the combined, single pipe sewer system into separate pipe systems for sanitary and stormwater flows. Sanitary wastewater flows will be conveyed to the water reclamation facility for treatment, while stormwater flows will be discharged to surface waters. Each area targeted for sewer separation will be assessed to determine whether existing infrastructure can be renewed or whether new infrastructure may be required. The optimal sewer separation approach may differ from one street to another and is dependent upon the condition of the existing sewer, whether the current system is adequately sized, and other factors. The new separate systems will be designed to address existing flooding issues and accommodate future development. While working in these areas, Metro Water Services is also evaluating the need replace drinking water distribution pipes and make other improvements to renew infrastructure and minimize long-term impacts to the community.
The separation projects are currently in the data-gathering and study phase, known as the preliminary engineering phase. During this phase, you may see MWS contractors in the project area collecting data on the existing systems that will be used to determine the potential routes of the improvements. All personnel conducting field work for this project should possess an ID card or letter identifying them as an MWS Contractor. Field personnel will continue to be periodically present in the project areas through the detailed design phase which should last through 2025. During that phase, MWS also anticipates sharing more specific information with the community about the scope and potential impacts of the projects.
In general, residents and businesses in and along these project areas can anticipate some disruptions during the construction phase, which is not anticipated to begin until Spring 2026, such as shifting traffic patterns and detours to accommodate excavation. These disruptions will be communicated well in advance and will be coordinated as needed to minimize impacts to those in the area.
As the project progresses through design, this website will be updated to highlight the status of the projects and the upcoming schedule. Metro Water Services will provide an opportunity for residents and business owners to get to know the project better as we move forward. If you have questions now, use the “Contact Us” form on this website to contact the Metro Water Services Project Manager. Otherwise, stay tuned to this site. We look forward to showing you more as this project continues over the coming years!
Looking for more projects? Locate more on our project map, found here.