With temperatures plunging into the single digits, the Greeneville Water Commission has implemented extra measures to ensure uninterrupted water flow.
After Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods destroyed the intake station, temporary pumps were installed along the riverbank. These pumps are exposed to extreme weather conditions, including the recent single digit temperatures. To prevent freezing, space heaters are used to warm the pumps when idle and keep the water in the pumps from freezing. Insulated blankets also cover all exposed pipes for added protection.
With overnight temperatures in the single digits and daytime highs remaining below freezing since Sunday, slush and ice have begun forming on the Nolichucky River. Mike Bowers, Water Treatment Plant Operator, has been assisting in supervising crews at the intake station. Bowers said that when ice accumulates in the intake pipes, the pumps must be shut down to flush the ice out. Bowers noted that Greene County consumes approximately 8 million gallons of water daily, making it critical to keep the pumps at the ready 24 hours a day.
Since the floods, the Greeneville Water Commission has staffed the intake station around the clock to monitor and maintain the pumps, which require constant attention. According to Bowers, the pumps consume about 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel daily. They are typically kept running through the night and shut off during the warmer daytime hours.
