FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- The lack of rain is making a pollution problem in a Franklin Creek even worse.

The water in Liberty Creek is also filled with toxic chemicals from the Egyptian Lacquer Company.

The water that is there has been dammed to prevent toxic chemicals from escaping.

Acetone and toluene from the lacquer company leaked into the creek from underground pipes.

Under state oversight, the company has agreed to launch a cleanup. But just as the water quality is supposed to be improving, an early drought hit.

"We have extremely low flow much sooner,” said Dorene Bolze of the Harpeth River Watershed Association.

Bolze said the Harpeth River is under extraordinary stress.

She said there are too many demands on the Harpeth River.

The City of Franklin dumps its treated sewage water there, which affects oxygen levels. So do those leaking chemicals.

Neighbors who live along the river said they're just ready for an improvement.

“I would just like some sort of closure on it. … If it’s cleaned up, (the caution tape) needs to come down because it’s kind of an eyesore. If it’s not cleaned up, we’d like to know why nobody is out here cleaning it up,” said Robert Hostettler.

Earlier this week, the State Department of Environment and Conservation tested the oxygen levels in the Harpeth River.

In one area, the oxygen levels were above the required limits. In three others, they were below the limits.

Those same officials are blaming the drought and not the chemicals for the oxygen levels.

Neighbors who live along Daniel's Drive said there has been a big improvement in the chemical smell since the Egyptian Lacquer Company started the cleanup.