The Friendsville Sewer Department was established out of necessity, driven by environmental concerns and the community's pressing needs. A study conducted by the Blount County Environmental Department revealed that over 20% of Friendsville households were experiencing failing septic systems. Due to the city’s rocky terrain, many properties either did not perk or lacked sufficient space to install new fill lines, making traditional septic solutions unsustainable.
In response to this widespread issue, the City of Friendsville applied for and was awarded a grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) on August 15, 2019. This funding laid the foundation for the city's first centralized sewer system, a significant milestone for Friendsville's public health and infrastructure.
The new system is a pressurized sewer network supported by two lift stations and one master meter, jointly monitored by the Tellico Area Service System (TASS) and the City of Friendsville. Because Friendsville does not have its own wastewater treatment plant, a partnership was established with TASS to manage wastewater distribution and treatment.
The total project cost was $865,000. In a remarkable effort to reduce costs, Friendsville’s utility crew self-performed most of the construction work. This included the installation of over five miles of sewer line — more than 1,320 pieces of 20-foot pipe — stretching from Unitia Road at Highway 95, along Highway 321, through Dunlap Hollow, and under 321 with 4” pipe. The line then continued down South Farnum Street, North Farnum Street, and onto East Third Avenue, ultimately reaching Friendsville Elementary School.
Significantly, this project improved residents' conditions and addressed critical issues at Friendsville Elementary School, where a 75-year-old sewer package plant was failing. The city worked in coordination with Blount County Schools to provide a long-term solution. As part of the cost-sharing agreement, the school committed to paying $54,000 annually over a five-year period.
Construction officially began on December 31, 2020, and the project was successfully completed by February 2022. The system went live in April.
The creation of the Friendsville Sewer Department marks a pivotal step forward in the city’s infrastructure and public service capabilities. It demonstrates the power of collaboration, smart investment, and local determination — all in service of a cleaner, healthier future for Friendsville.