New GM Looking To Improve Water Sustainability

The Cumberland Plateau Water Authority’s New General Manager Jeff Dyer said his number one goal is to improve water sustainability across the Upper Cumberland.

Dyer said many areas struggle with inadequate water infrastructure to support the large increase in population. Dyer said in order to obtain water sustainability the authority must engage with the community.

“We’ve got a lot of independent utilities in one area,” Dyer said. “And we’ve got a lot of knowledge that we want to bring together and really focus on the benefits that are needed and the utility items that are needed in the Upper Cumberland Region and get these minds working together with a goal of a long-term sustainable water source solution.”

Dyer said Cumberland County’s water infrastructure needs to improve in order to attract more people and businesses to the area. Dyer said he believes he can rally utility departments together to provide enough water to keep pace with the growth under his leadership.

“Well, I think my history of working in businesses for strategic business solutions, mergers and acquisitions, and operations will allow me to effectively create the teamwork and environment that is needed,” Dyer said.

Dyer said he was a Cumberland County Commissioner several years ago and even then he saw water shortage issues.

“Even up to a decade ago, we’ve had water issues and concerns,” Dyer said. “So with the growth we have been seeing and it’s probably a lot like Putnam County or any other region in Tennessee we are experiencing a lot of growth up here. It became very real, very quick.”

Dyer said more people and businesses moving to the region are straining water systems. Dyer said in order for the Upper Cumberland to continue to attract businesses, we need to solve our water problem so that we can create more jobs and opportunities in our region.