Senate committee advances bill to create Humphreys County Water Authority after TDEC reassurance

On March 18, 2026, the Tennessee Senate Government Operations Committee advanced Senate Bill 1566, which would create the Humphreys County Water Authority to provide water and wastewater services to Humphreys County and nearby communities, including Waverly, McEwen and New Johnsonville.

The bill's sponsor, Senator Roberts, said the authority responds to needs arising after recent flood damage and uses largely boilerplate enabling language to establish commissioners and governance. "This is something that they have needed to do," Roberts said as he described the bill's purpose.

Why it matters: Senators raised environmental and jurisdictional questions about the Duck River watershed, which runs through the region and is noted in committee remarks for its biodiversity. Senator Sutherland said he had been concerned that the bill might conflict with a governor's executive order establishing a Duck River watershed planning partnership, but he told the committee he had spoken with the TDEC commissioner and was satisfied with the response.

TDEC witnesses told the committee that municipal withdrawals from the Duck River remain subject to the existing permitting process and that the proposed authority would not change permitting requirements. Ali Williamson, legislative director for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said the legislation "does not open it up" and that the process for withdrawal permits would remain the same.

Sponsor and oversight details: Senator Roberts pointed the panel to the bill text for oversight language, noting that the authority is "subject to regulation by the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation," that TDEC regulates public water supplies and sewage systems, and that the Comptroller's Department of Audit is responsible for annual fiscal audits.

Committee action: After questions and agency clarification, the clerk recorded unanimous support. The committee vote was nine ayes; Chairman Jackson announced the bill would move forward with a positive recommendation to the calendar in the State and Local section.

What's next: SB 1566 now moves to the calendar for further consideration by the full Senate. The committee asked staff to supply written answers to remaining technical questions about the watershed and intercounty service arrangements.