Rural Route March 5, 2026 Dustin Kittle has discovered the fraud on a $520 million water project in Muaray County, TN.

TENNESSEE WATER WARS: DUCK RIVER PIPELINE SPARKS BATTLE OVER DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL CONTROL On this episode of Rural Route, Trent Loos welcomes Dustin Kittle from central Tennessee for a powerful discussion about water rights, reckless development, and the growing fight for local control. Dustin breaks down the controversial $520 million Columbia water pipeline project that would pull 32 million gallons of water per day from the Duck River—one of the most biologically diverse rivers in America. He warns that the project is being pushed to support rapid development while ignoring serious environmental risks and the long-term needs of local communities. The conversation exposes major concerns about transparency and accountability after Columbia Power and Water customers were hit with a shocking 150% water bill increase without warning. Dustin and Trent also examine growing tensions at city council meetings where citizens are being limited to short speaking times—even when massive infrastructure decisions are on the line—raising serious First Amendment concerns. Trent and Dustin dig deeper into the broader issue of water scarcity, warning that water could soon become more valuable than oil. They argue that agriculture and food production must be protected from industrial expansion that threatens water supplies and rural communities. The Duck River, which serves more than 250,000 people, is already considered one of the most endangered rivers in the country due to overdevelopment and infrastructure strain. The discussion also shifts to national agriculture policy, including concerns about a $700 million regenerative agriculture fund and the role of global fertilizer giant Nutrien. Trent raises alarm over the lack of farmer representation in government decisions and the growing financial pressure forcing many farmers out of business. The episode concludes with a hard look at crop protection challenges, herbicide controversies, and the urgent need to defend farmers’ ability to produce food while holding corporations accountable.