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Meet GraceAI

Grace AI

Imagine a world where utility bill payments happen seamlessly, without the hassle of long wait times or confusing prompts— Kingsport’s new Grace AI feature will make that a reality.

Grace AI is a state-of-the-art, interactive customer service tool that allows customers to access their water/utility account over the phone and perform a variety of tasks, such as making a payment, arranging a payment plan, checking the balance and updating account information.

Grace AI is conversational in nature and will be able to answer a host of general city-related questions, such as trash and garbage collection dates and city hall location and hours.

“Our innovative call center initiative empowers customers to pay bills and gather information effortlessly via natural voice conversations, thus reducing errors and boosting satisfaction for our customer service,” said Chief Information Officer Floyd Bailey.

 

FAQ

  • When will Grace AI go into effect? Spring 2026.
  • How many calls can Grace AI handle at one time? Hundreds with no wait time.
  • Will I be able to talk to a real person? Yes. Grace AI will transfer you to one of our customer service representatives if requested.
  • Will Grace AI result in the elimination of customer service representative positions? No. Grace AI is the first point of contact and aims to alleviate the pressures on our current staff.
  • Will new features be added in the future? Yes. Kingsport hopes to add tuition and property tax payments to Grace AI’s system in the future
Parks and Recreation Logo

Kingsport offers Autumn Skate & Biking event

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department and 21:12 Skateboarding is hosting a special afternoon of skating and biking at the Scott Adams Memorial Skatepark (2016 Brickyard Park Drive) next month.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this event offers a chance to experience our top-notch skate park and pump track with like-minded skaters and cyclists.

This Autumn Skateboarding and Pump Track event will take place on October 4 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy the fresh autumn air on your skateboard, bike, scooter or inline skates. The event will also feature a food truck, games, music and prizes.

The event is free and open to skaters and cyclists of all ages. Participants will need to bring their own helmet, safety equipment and ride.

For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Reducing runoff with permeable pavement

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses permeable pavement and its effect on reducing runoff.

Permeable or porous pavement is a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) that allows rain water to infiltrate into the pavement surface and thus reduces runoff during storm events.  There are several types of permeable pavement, including permeable pavers, pervious concrete, and porous asphalt.

Permeable pavement is only recommended for parking lots and low traffic areas. Most systems have an underdrain that discharges into the stormwater conveyance system.

Most permeable pavement systems have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Pavement surface: Contains joints or voids to allow stormwater to infiltrate.
  • Main treatment area: Contains gravel and sand layers that allow infiltration, filtration, and storage of stormwater.
  • Underdrain: Collects and discharges filtered stormwater.
  • Outlet structure: Usually a storm drain for emergency overflow.
  • Underdrain cleanout: Allows for maintenance of the underdrain.

Permeable pavements may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for permeable pavement systems to work efficiently, trash, litter and debris should be removed and a landscape blower used on the surface. Permeable pavers and porous concrete/asphalt should be vacuumed. Sand and sediment can clog the system.

If you have a concern about a specific permeable pavement system in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Enhanced swales subtly capture and treat stormwater

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses the two types of swales and how each one captures and treats stormwater.

Enhanced swales, also called water quality swales, are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) designed to capture and treat stormwater from small storms using low check dams to slow or contain runoff. They are usually shallow, wide, and vegetated to help filter stormwater runoff.

There are two types of enhanced swales.

  • Dry enhanced swales are broad and shallow with thick grass. They typically have an underdrain system designed to let stormwater filter through the bottom of the swale.
  • Wet enhanced swales are designed to retain water and may have marshy conditions that support wetland vegetation. They are generally used in areas with a high-water table or poorly draining soils. Sediment and other pollutants settle to the bottom of the swale where they can be easily removed.

Most enhanced swales have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – allow stormwater to flow into the swale.
  • Pretreatment areas – rock or vegetated areas which prevent trash and debris from entering the channel.
  • Channel – where stormwater is collected. Low flows are slowed by the check dams, while high flows go over the check dams.
  • Underdrain – lets water that has soaked into the soil exit the swale.
  • Check dams – rock berms perpendicular to the flow path that slow water in the swale, providing treatment of polluted stormwater.
  • Outlet structure – allows water to exit the swale in a controlled way.

Swales may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for a swale to work efficiently, vegetation should be mowed at least twice a year and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed at regular intervals.  Any areas of erosion should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlets should be checked for clogs and erosion. The swale should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific swale in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Retention Basins reduce runoff during storm events

Retention Basins reduce runoff during storm events

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses retention basins and how they reduce runoff during storm events.

Retention basins, also called stormwater, wet, or water quality basins are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) that retains rain water and thus reduces runoff during storm events.  Unlike detention basins, they have a permanent pool, which can serve as a wildlife habitat and an attractive amenity. Water quality is also improved through settling and biological uptake.

Most retention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the ponds from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Forebay – shallow depression that catches trash, debris and sediment to keep it out of the main basin.
  • Main Basin –collects and retains stormwater and may include plants to filter water pollution.
  • Embankments –sides of the pond, usually vegetated to prevent erosion.
  • Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin in a controlled manner.
  • Emergency Spillway – allows water to safely overflow top of dam.

Retention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the retention basin to work efficiently, vegetation on embankments should be mowed at least twice a year and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the forebay at regular intervals.  Any areas of erosion on the side slopes should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific retention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

 

 

 

 

Wetlands are key to storing and treating stormwater

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses stormwater wetlands and how they are used to support aquatic plants.

Stormwater wetlands (or constructed wetlands) are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) built for the purpose of storing and treating stormwater run-off.  Pollutant removal is achieved through settling and uptake by marsh vegetation.

Stormwater wetlands are designed with a shallow permanent pool to support aquatic plants. Most stormwater wetlands have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the wetland from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Forebay – shallow depression that catches trash, debris and sediment to keep it out of the main basin.
  • Main Basin –collects and retains stormwater and has marsh vegetation to filter water pollution.
  • Embankments –sides of the pond, usually vegetated to prevent erosion.
  • Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin in a controlled manner.
  • Emergency Spillway – allows water to safely overflow the top of a dam.

Stormwater wetlands may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the stormwater wetland to work efficiently, marsh plants should kept healthy and watered in times of drought; and invasive plants, shrubs and trees should be removed. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the forebay at regular intervals.  Any areas of erosion on the side slopes should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific stormwater wetland in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

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Water Quality Units are hidden, yet important

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses the importance of manufactured treatment devices and the role they play in removing pollutants from stormwater.

Hidden beneath stormwater manholes, along streets or in parking lots, are units that filter stormwater before it enters our waterways.

These units are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM), but more specifically are a Manufactured Treatment Device (MTD). These devices are designed to remove a variety of pollutants, including sediment, nutrients, oils, grease, and litter, by settling out and capturing.

Water quality units are ideal in an urban setting where there is not enough space for larger stormwater control measures.

These units contain a hydrodynamic separator, which can separate out pollutants by creating a swirling action or using gravity and sediment chambers. Hydrodynamic separators may have the following basic components:

  • An inlet pipe, where stormwater enters the unit.
  • An outlet pipe, where stormwater exits the unit.
  • Screens or filters to collect debris.
  • Sediment chambers or treatment chambers.
  • An access hatch with a removable manhole cover.

Water quality units may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. Units should be annually inspected and professionally cleaned out with a vacuum truck. The unit should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific water quality unit in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov.  You can also report any possible issues with water quality unit by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Green roofs provide many environmental benefits

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses the features of green roofs and the environmental benefits they provide to the community.

Unless you have an aerial view of your community, you may not notice whether or not a building has a green roof. And no, we’re not talking about the color of the shingles.

A green roof is a Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) where a roof is partially or completely covered with a lightweight growing medium and vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane. The roof could also include a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems for better protection and longevity.

Green Roofs are designed to absorb water during a rain event and thereby reduce the amount of stormwater run-off from the roof. Green roofs also improve the aesthetics of an urban environment, capture airborne pollutants and provide space for community gardens and recreation.

Most green roofs have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Plant layer – Various species of plants that can withstand sunny, dry conditions.
  • Growing medium – Soil that supports the plants and allows rainwater to infiltrate.
  • Drainage and filtration layer – To allow excess water to leave the soil.
  • Protection and storage layer – To provide additional water storage and a root barrier.
  • Waterproofing and insulation layer – To keep water from leaking into the building.
  • Outlet structure – To allow water to exit the roof via gutters and downspouts.

Green roofs may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly.  However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

The vegetation should be maintained. Weeds, invasive species and dead plants should be removed, and the plants should be watered during periods of drought.

Trash and debris should be removed from the planting area. Gutters, roof drains and outlet structures should be kept clear, and the roof system should be checked for ponding water, leaks, or damage. The green roof should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific green roof in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.

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What are Stormwater Detention Ponds?

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses stormwater detention ponds, their components and the purpose they serve for residents and businesses.

Have you ever noticed large dry ponds near subdivisions or shopping centers? These are called detention basins and are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM).

These basins are specifically designed to hold rainwater for up to three days and thereby prevent the flooding of the surrounding area.

Most detention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the ponds from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin at a specific flow rate.
  • Emergency Spillway – in case the basin should fill up from an unusually large rain event.

The main basin area is covered by grass or other vegetation to stabilize the soil, while the sides of the pond are called embankments and are also vegetated to prevent erosion.

Detention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the detention basin to work efficiently, vegetation should be mowed at least twice a year, and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the pond at regular intervals and any areas of erosion should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific detention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov.  You can also report any possible issues with detention basins by using the ConnectKingsport app.

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Using plants to filter out pollution

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses bioretention basins and how they use plants to filter out pollution.

A bioretention basin is a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) that addresses both stormwater quantity and quality.

These basins are designed to hold water for 48 hours after a rain event, which helps prevent flooding. They also allow for stormwater infiltration and uptake by plants, thereby filtering out pollution.

Most bioretention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets: pipes, channels or curb cuts that convey drainage into the basin from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Outlet Structure: Allows water to exit the basin in case the basin fills up.
  • Pretreatment Areas: Typically consist of stones or grass to slow water entering the basin and thus catch trash, debris and sediment.
  • The Main Basin: Consists of an engineered soil media to allow for infiltration, plants for stormwater uptake and an underdrain to convey excess water into the stormwater system.
  • Cleanouts: Allow for maintenance of the underdrain.

Bioretention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the bioretention basin to work efficiently, vegetation needs to be kept healthy and watered in times of drought. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the basin at regular intervals. Any erosion should be repaired and mulched areas should be refreshed.

Excess sediment can clog the soil media and prevent the bioretention basin from functioning properly. The underdrain should be inspected for clogging and the basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning correctly.

If you have a concern about a specific bioretention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov.  You can also report any possible issues with bioretention basins by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee