Water Samples Indicate Most Middle Tennessee Lakes, Rivers and Streams Are Back to Pre-Flood Conditions

NASHVILLE – Extensive water sampling of Middle Tennessee lakes, rivers and streams undertaken by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation indicates that most water bodies have returned to pre-flood conditions. This includes area lakes and the Cumberland River through Nashville. 

 

The department began sampling area waters immediately following the floods to track flood-related water quality impacts. The Tennessee Department of Health analyzes the samples for bacteria. The floodwaters caused widespread infrastructure damage to sewage treatment plants and collection systems - the network of pipes and pumps that move wastewater from homes and businesses to the plants for treatment, precipitating the sampling. 

 

Water quality has improved significantly as infrastructure issues are repaired. However, people are urged to continue to avoid the Cumberland River just downstream of Clarksville, immediately downstream of the Red River confluence. The Department of Environment and Conservation is providing oversight and technical assistance to Clarksville as they continue to repair flood-damaged infrastructure. The Clarksville wastewater treatment plant is providing some treatment, but is not yet able to provide full treatment. TDEC will continue to sample this location and provide water quality updates.

 

It is important to note that it is not uncommon for creeks and streams to contain some level of bacteria, particularly in urban or agricultural areas. It is recommended people always wash with soap and clean water as a precaution after getting into any surface waters.

 

For a list of water bodies with bacteriological contact advisories, which are unrelated to flooding, please visit http://tn.gov/environment/wpc/publications/pdf/advisories.pdf. 

 

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