It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic John Gordon House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Duck River, TN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We so appreciated the team at Always Best Care was amazing! Stacie listened to”
“Dependable! We can always count on you all. Also very good job when regular person”
“Hello! I've just retired from ABC Senior Services - Philadelphia PA I was with the”
“Amazing company!!!!”
“I have found Always Best Care to provide exceptional service with caring, responsible Caregivers. ”
“Great response time! They did a great job meeting our needs.”
“I been with them for over7 years”
“I have been a caregiver for this company for 8 years plus. The office staff”
“I am extremely grateful for the home care services ABC offers. Their staff is absolutely”
“I’d like to take a moment to thank you and everyone at Always Best Care”
“We have been accessing Always Best Care’s wonderful staff in recent months to go along”
“Can't say enough nice things about the caregivers from ABC. Professional, personal, reliable, we feel”
“I was in need of someone to be with my husband for 8 hours while”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond! They treat you and your loved ones like”
“A very kind review from a client's family member that was received today. We are”
“This is an amazing company! I work at a senior living community and we love”
“Stacey is so knowledgeable and a great resource for senior care.”
“The best company I've ever worked for, we're all a team and strive to give”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's”
“The Absolute Best that I have experienced! Wish I found them a long time ago...”
“Because of ABCSS - my mother is in a lovely and safe "home" of her”
“Seriously one of the best companies I have ever worked for. I love my job.”
“We so appreciated the team at Always Best Care was amazing! Stacie listened to what I needed and helped me find just the right fit AND has continued support as I navigate all the details!! Fantastic organization!”
“Dependable! We can always count on you all. Also very good job when regular person is out.”
“Hello! I've just retired from ABC Senior Services - Philadelphia PA I was with the company for 7 years 3 months as a caregiver. I've learned much from each and every client l've served and have found the work to be very gratifying and rewarding. During my time, I have formed lasting bonds with several of my former clients and their loved ones.”
“Amazing company!!!!”
“I have found Always Best Care to provide exceptional service with caring, responsible Caregivers. The office communicates great with the family members involved and they are all very professional I would recommend their services to anyone looking for a great support team for their loved one.”
“Great response time! They did a great job meeting our needs.”
“I been with them for over7 years”
“I have been a caregiver for this company for 8 years plus. The office staff are incredible and the caregivers pour their whole hearts into caring for others. We're all very passionate about what we do and take so much pride in that. Love my company and highly recommend for any of your needs rather that be needing care or wanting to become a caregiver”
“I am extremely grateful for the home care services ABC offers. Their staff is absolutely phenomenal. Very professional, dependable and caring. The support staff for scheduling and billing are very courteous and easy to do business with.”
“I’d like to take a moment to thank you and everyone at Always Best Care for the assistance and great care provided to my mother following her stroke. After a lengthy stay in a rehabilitation center, mom was very clear that she wanted to go home. The stroke had unfortunately robbed her of her independence, and to go home, we would need round-the-clock care. Always Best Care came into our family at that point and made it possible for mom to be at home for over 20 months. Maintaining continuity of care and finding the right match of caregivers is no east task. There are so many moving parts that go into making that happen day after day, and somehow your team made it look easy. Coordinating staffing around last-minute callouts, illness, incompatible personalities, holidays, family dynamics, etc. These and other challenges did arise, but the important thing is that you reliably found solutions. Through a challenging state in my mother’s life, and for our entire family, your caregiver and office staff provide the support and peace of mind we needed. We’ve been very fortunate along the way to have many wonderful caregivers, and I’ve personally enjoyed getting to know them, I want to emphasize that you have very special people on your team. Thank you for supporting our family and caring for my mother!”
“We have been accessing Always Best Care’s wonderful staff in recent months to go along with my husband to doctor’s appointments. I’ve lost track of how many times, but it’s been frequent. And every one of their caregivers have been outstanding. So wonderful to know you can rely on the people at ABC!”
“Can't say enough nice things about the caregivers from ABC. Professional, personal, reliable, we feel so fortunate to be working with them.”
“I was in need of someone to be with my husband for 8 hours while I had to be away from home. I was a little nervous since we had never used this type of service before. The two ladies who interviewed us and explained the procedure could not have been nicer and more professional. When the caregiver Rhonda arrived, she immediately put us at ease. She was very efficient in making sure she had my husband’s medicine doses correct and in asking questions pertinent to his Parkinson’s. When I returned home, they both seemed to have had a great time looking at my husband’s extensive photography collection and watching westerns on TV. We will most definitely use Always Best Care again!”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond! They treat you and your loved ones like family. When faced with the difficult decisions that come along with caring for a senior, they showed compassion and helped guide us with confidence. My family can not recommend them enough!”
“A very kind review from a client's family member that was received today. We are grateful to have such wonderful families to work with and take care of in addition to great staff like Stacey Leverette. To Whom it May Concern, I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. My experience with them has been great! My father had advanced Parkinson's disease as well as some other physical problems. He finally got to the place he needed some assistance. I contacted Stacey and she came out and met with my dad and myself. She was very knowledgeable and thoroughly answered all the questions and concerns for us. More than anything else, she calmed all the concerns that my father had. In a very short time Stacey had someone on site. We've had days where we needed to change the day or time of service because of appointments, holidays or something else. When that occurs, I simply call Stacey and give her the information and she makes the adjustments in a seamless manner. If you work with her for a little bit, you will see quickly that she is very good at what she does. It has been a very good experience. I recommend Always Best Care. Yours Sincerely, Bill A.”
“This is an amazing company! I work at a senior living community and we love having ABC come in our community to be an extra support to our residents. Casie will take good care of you!”
“Stacey is so knowledgeable and a great resource for senior care.”
“The best company I've ever worked for, we're all a team and strive to give the best care we possibly can to our clients and families!”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”
“The Absolute Best that I have experienced! Wish I found them a long time ago... It's clear they put their clients and employees 1st!”
“Because of ABCSS - my mother is in a lovely and safe "home" of her own and enjoying everyday!”
“Seriously one of the best companies I have ever worked for. I love my job. Getting to love people like they are my own is so rewarding. Seriously THE BEST!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Duck River Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local River Terrace or visit Duck River Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Duck River, TN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Duck River, TN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Duck River, TN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Advocates seek limits to how much water utilities can pump out of the river in times of droughtBy: Cassandra Stephenson - October 18, 2024 5:00 amThis story has been updated to reflect the parties appealing the Columbia Power and Water Systems permit.Middle Tennessee property owners and residents are joining environmental groups in calling for stronger state protections for the ...
By: Cassandra Stephenson - October 18, 2024 5:00 am
This story has been updated to reflect the parties appealing the Columbia Power and Water Systems permit.
Middle Tennessee property owners and residents are joining environmental groups in calling for stronger state protections for the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America.
Drought and utility companies’ plans to withdraw millions more gallons of water from the Duck River each day to keep up with development and growth are putting the river and the dozens of species that call it home in peril, environmental advocates say.
This year, Washington D.C.-based organization American Rivers named the Duck River the third-most endangered river in the nation due to the threat of “excessive water withdrawals.”
The Southern Environmental Law Center is representing the Tennessee Wildlife Federation in an appeal against a state permit that would allow utility Columbia Power and Water Systems to develop a second water withdrawal site at the Maury-Hickman county line without rules in place to lower allowed usage when river flows drop.
The mussels that live in the river and filter its water — often called “harbingers” for river health — are showing signs that the river is in distress. Freshwater mussel expert Don Hubbs found 565 freshly dead mussels at seven locations from Shelbyville to Columbia in mid-July, including the remains of nine species that are under federal protection. Hubbs found another 212 freshly dead mussels at three locations near Centerville in September.
At least 250,000 Tennesseans depend on the Duck for their drinking water, and Middle Tennessee is quickly growing thanks to recent investments from industry and an influx of new residents.
“We are in the midst of a phenomenon where people are moving here from other landscapes in other parts of the country that are already built out … creating tremendous financial incentives for some members of the development community to build out our pristine landscapes as quickly as possible,” SELC Tennessee Office Director George Nolan told a crowd gathered at Columbia State Community College on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Nolan clarified that SELC is not “anti-development or anti-growth.”
“We do subscribe to the principle that as we grow, the growth needs to be managed wisely, and we have to respect the carrying capacity of our watersheds,” he said.
The state has “long recognized the high value of the Duck River” and works to balance its protection with the needs of growing Tennessee communities, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Communications Director Eric Ward wrote in a statement to Tennessee Lookout.
A few dozen people attended last week’s meeting hosted by the Duck River Conservancy, a preservation advocacy group that formed this spring. Some arrived with notebooks in hand. A child clutched a mallard stuffed animal. Many attendees have lived in the area for years. Some, like Duck River Conservancy Vice-Chairman Danny Rochelle, have lived near the Duck for multiple generations.
Local water utilities are seeking permits to withdraw up to 73 million gallons from the river each day, which would be an increase of 19 million gallons over today’s limit. The permitting process is a good thing, Nolan said. But as it stands, those permits don’t have additional restrictions on how much water can be pumped out during drought conditions or low water flows.
SELC is appealing three permits issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, including the permit for the new withdrawal site on the Maury-Hickman county line. The guardrails to protect the river aren’t sufficient, Nolan said.
Advocacy groups say the department has failed to conduct independent studies of how much water is needed to protect the river’s rich aquatic life.
“The state, TDEC … has not done their homework, as far as we are concerned,” Nolan said. “In other words, they issue these permits authorizing big increases in the water withdrawals, but they haven’t done the science necessary in order to figure out if that’s too much.”
The permits granted thus far also allow up to 25% loss, meaning utilities are allowed to leak up to 25% of the water they withdraw from the river. This detail drew exasperation from the crowd. Other states are less forgiving — Kentucky’s loss limit, for instance, is 15%.
SELC is also pushing for a comprehensive water conservation and drought management plan for the region that has “teeth” to ensure utilities comply. The center says the department, as the state entity responsible for protecting the river, should create that regional plan. (That task is in the hands of the Duck River Development Agency, which receives funding from water utilities based on the number of gallons the utilities sell to customers).
Citing ongoing litigation, Ward declined to answer specific questions about how the department determines what amount of waste is reasonable, how it determines whether to include flow conditions in permits, whether it has conducted independent flow studies and why it is not the steward of a regional drought management plan for the Duck River.
“Since 2020, TDEC has initiated a comprehensive, data-driven permitting process for the Duck River watershed that has included hosting a series of stakeholder meetings and public hearings,” Ward wrote, adding that the department will continue to meet with stakeholders and consider public interest to “ensure this precious resource remains protected and utilized appropriately.”
The SELC has fought for stronger permit terms before and won, securing a settlement in 2022 that upheld water withdrawal limitations for the Marshall County Board of Public Utility for times of low flow and drought. The state’s initial permit for the utility contained those limitations, but the utility and the Duck River Development Agency had appealed to have those limits removed.
As the appeals process for the three recently issued permits continues, some residents are advocating for alternative water sources that may keep up with the region’s explosive growth.
Ed Penrod, an 88-year-old who lives on the river and has been involved in conservation efforts for several decades, said the state should look into a redundancy program for the Duck River. A pipeline bringing water from the much larger Tennessee River “should be started tomorrow,” he said, receiving applause from the crowd.
The Tennessee General Assembly would need to approve such an undertaking — something it has tried and failed to do in the past — and it would be costly.
Mike Penrod, Ed Penrod’s son, said it’s not as costly as overtaxing the Duck River. The current drought won’t be the last to hit the area, he said.
“Once we lose it, it’s over,” Mike Penrod said. “Can’t go back.”
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.
Several Middle Tennessee cities have asked residents to conserve water as dry conditions are expected to continue indefinitely across the state.The remnants of Tropical Storm Francine are expected to march across West and Middle Tennessee at the end of this week, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Nashville, but they warn the coming rain won't be enough to completely eradicate the drought.Spring Hill, about 30 miles south of Nashville, is the latest city to enact such conservation ef...
Several Middle Tennessee cities have asked residents to conserve water as dry conditions are expected to continue indefinitely across the state.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Francine are expected to march across West and Middle Tennessee at the end of this week, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Nashville, but they warn the coming rain won't be enough to completely eradicate the drought.
Spring Hill, about 30 miles south of Nashville, is the latest city to enact such conservation efforts, joining Portland and Franklin as the third town in a growing list.
Here's what we know about the situation:
So far, there have been three official city announcements asking residents to conserve water, but more are expected in the coming days, especially in areas around the Duck River.
Split between Robertson and Sumner Counties to the north of Nashville, the City of Portland issued a water shortage alert on Sept. 6, citing low City Lake levels and a lack of rainfall in the area.
More:Second Middle Tennessee town asks residents to conserve water, issues alert amid drought
City officials said Friday on Facebook that Portland's raw water supply is nearing emergency status.
Franklin residents were asked days earlier, on Sept. 4, to stop all non-essential water use until further notice. The Williamson County seat is under an emergency status 1 water shortage.
More:Middle Tennessee town declares emergency water shortage, restricts usage amid drought
Spring Hill and other cities in the Duck River Basin are choosing to enact voluntary water conservation measures at the request of the Duck River Agency, a nearly 60-year-old comprehensive regional development agency responsible for the control and development of water resources in the Duck River Watershed in Bedford, Coffee, Hickman, Marshall and Maury Counties.
“There’s a lot of perception that the river is being drained because of water withdrawals and growth… the withdrawals haven’t really changed since we started seeing these low levels… a lot of it is because of the drought and losing sections of the Duck River,” Duck River Agency Executive Director Doug Murphy said.
According to American Rivers, the Duck River flows nearly 300 miles through seven counties in Middle Tennessee and is one of the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world.
More: Water fight underway over Tennessee's drought-stricken Duck River: ‘A watershed moment’
And its geology makes it equally unique.
Low river flow levels have been observed in several downstream entities due to significant amounts of river water being lost to groundwater replenishment.
“The Duck River is a really unique river in that during low flow periods or drought periods, we lose about 25% of the river to underground karst,” Murphy said. He explained that karst is mostly, crack-laden limestone underneath the Duck River that does not absorb water.
“It lets water run through it real easy,” he said. “The Duck River Basin’s upper portion of the watershed is a very karst system, so we have a lot of water that goes underground… when it gets dry, more water goes underground because the water table gets low, and the river’s trying to refill the groundwater.”
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Tennessee is either abnormally dry or listed in a moderate drought this week. Some portions of the state are classified as being in an extreme drought.
For the Duck River watershed, specifically, there isn't enough water for wildlife in a D3 drought.
Agency officials declared a Stage 1 River Drought Friday after almost two weeks of discussion.
“We’re just trying to be good stewards and protect the river and that’s why we’ve asked our citizens in the Duck River Basin to conserve a little water, that way we don’t have to draw as much out of the river,” Murphy explained.
Customers in conservation areas are being asked to conserve by eliminating non-essential uses, such as irrigation, outdoor recreation, washing sidewalks and driveways, filling or refilling pools and hot tubs, undertaking non-commercial washing of vehicles and boats and dust control measures during construction.
Tennessee could see some relief later in the week due to intensifying tropical storm Francine in the Gulf of Mexico.
More:How Tropical Storm Francine could impact Tennessee weather: Wind, rain, lessening drought?
The storm is expected to bring several inches of much-needed rain beginning Thursday.
West and Middle Tennessee are expected to see the most rain, anywhere between three to four inches, between Thursday and Saturday, National Weather Service Nashville Meteorologist Mark Rose told The Tennessean Monday.
The state would need multiple tropical storm events to completely eliminate its drought, Rose said.
Currently, drought conditions are the worst in four western Middle Tennessee counties, west of Interstate 65 near the Tennessee River.
In response to initiating voluntary conservation measures, the Duck River Agency launched a Drought Response Team, consisting of state and local officials, who plan to meet weekly to assess drought conditions and escalate the response if needed, according to a release.
“That team will be made up of mainly agency folks that can provide information, data, run models, that can help make good decisions using good science… that’s our goal,” Murphy said.
“It’s all based on protecting the Duck River and providing water supply for all uses, not just citizens.”
The agency’s long-term plans for the water supply continue to adapt with each drought.
Katie Nixon can be reached at [email protected].
615-678-0293
