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The Harpeth River
Right now, we’re on a collision course. The Duck River is our lifeblood, but poorly planned growth will suck the river dry. The good news is, we can change course and wisely manage our water to protect the river, our economy, and quality of life.
The Legacy of the Harpeth River
Flowing 125 miles through Middle Tennessee before joining the Cumberland, the Harpeth River winds through one of the most ecologically diverse regions in North America. Its clear waters support more than 80 species of fish and 30 species of mussels, and its banks hold centuries of history and cultural significance.
Protecting the Harpeth River means safeguarding clean water, ancient heritage, and the living heart of Tennessee’s landscape.
What's going on?
Harpeth Conservancy has a long history of championing the Harpeth River.
Through years of science-based advocacy and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, our efforts led to the 2012 removal of the low-head dam in Franklin, restoring free flow and reconnecting 36 miles of river habitat. In 2015, the Harpeth was named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers due to threats from sewage pollution and water withdrawal, a recognition that spurred regulatory reforms and renewed community action. Today, Harpeth Conservancy continues to advance restoration, enforce clean water protections, and strengthen stewardship along the State Scenic Harpeth River to ensure it remains free-flowing and thriving for generations to come.
Interested in learning more? Email Marie at mariecampbell@harpethriver.org.
In 2012, after more than a decade of scientific research, public engagement, and collaboration led by Harpeth Conservancy (then the Harpeth River Watershed Association), the City of Franklin removed its low-head dam — restoring nearly 36 miles of free-flowing river and reconnecting critical aquatic habitat.
The project, a partnership between the City of Franklin, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC), and Harpeth Conservancy, became one of the first successful dam removals in Tennessee history. It reestablished natural river flow, improved fish passage, and set a statewide precedent for river restoration and community-driven conservation.
The removal was part of the America’s Great Outdoors Rivers Initiative, which recognized the Harpeth River as a national model for collaboration in river restoration.
In 2015, American Rivers named the State Scenic Harpeth River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers, highlighting major threats to water quality and public health: sewage pollution and excessive water withdrawals.
Guided by the leadership of Harpeth Conservancy, the national attention galvanized state and local decision-makers with large community support to tighten state-required permits on both sewer discharges and water withdrawals to improve water quality, especially during the critical summer low-flow season when recreational use is highest.
State-of-the-art technology to remove nutrient pollution was included in the City of Franklin’s expanded sewer plant, the largest by far on the Harpeth River, which has cut the phosphorus pollution by over half in the following years.
Being listed as one of the Most Endangered Rivers in 2015 was critical in uniting the community to protect this valuable resource!
Press & Media Coverage
News Articles (2023-Present)
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- July 6, NewsChannel5: Tennessee water quality resource helps river-goers stay safe while cooling off