Rain waters down revenue for water departments

You would think fewer water hoses would be used at Out of Eden Garden Center, due to the recent heavy rainfall.

"With the heat coming on, even though we've had rain, we have to watch our plant material to make sure it has an adequate amount of water," said Julie Bridenbaugh, owner of the garden center, which sits right outside the Maryville city limits.

Many gallons of water are sprayed onto the plants every day. Only 10 percent of the water used at the garden center is dispensed by the City of Maryville.

"We have a well and a retention pond," Bridenbaugh explained.

The eco-friendly watering system saves money and acts as security from droughts like East Tennessee saw the past two years.

"At one point they [the city of Maryville] did come by and let us know we couldn't use city watering for our plants," Bridenbaugh said.

In 2009, the city actually hopes customers use water.

"It's been good to have plenty of water," said the director of Maryville's Water Quality Control Department, Jeff Rose. "It's also detrimental in that we don't sell as much water."

The Little River provides water to the city. In 2007, the river's water level fell to 29 cubic feet per second. Currently, the Little River sits at 380 cubic feet per second.

"If they continue to use less water, and they continue to not water their yards, eventually that will have to affect rates. Because, we have to maintain the system," said Rose.

The water department plans to postpone buying new equipment and extending water lines, which could soak up some of the loss.

Out of Eden keeps counting the blessings of this wet season.

"It affects people, because they know they can water things when they get home," said Bridenbaugh.

TVA said Tuesday its hydroelectric generation is running at 91 percent of capacity. However, no more rate adjustments will be discussed until August.