Hermitage Asks Metro Water Why the Mains Keep Breaking

If it seems like the orange cones never leave Andrew Jackson Parkway, you're not imagining it. Metro Water Services told WKRN that Hermitage had 25 water main breaks between July 2025 and July 2026. One of them caused major flooding this summer, and others cut service to homes and to TriStar Summit.

District 14 Councilmember Jordan Huffman said he has "lost count." District 12 Councilmember Erin Evans pointed to South New Hope Road, Stewarts Ferry Pike, the streets near the lake and Central Pike as trouble spots. Huffman added the Highlands of Tulip Grove and other neighborhoods off Andrew Jackson.

Metro Water says 63% of its more than 3,100 miles of main is at least 40 years old. Replacing just 1% of the system would cost $81.9 million. Much of Hermitage's pipe was put in by the old Cumberland Utility District. Metro took over the sewer system in 1995 and the water system in 2003, and it has been swapping out PVC lines as projects allow. Metro also told WKRN that Hermitage's break count isn't substantially higher than other parts of its service area.

The two council members hosted a community meeting with Metro Water at the Hermitage Precinct on Oct. 7. There, residents connected the breaks and the storm-water problems to heavy development. If you missed it, you can still send your questions to your council member or to Metro Water Services.

Sources: WKRN News 2; Metro Council event listing.