The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced a temporary water contact advisory for areas in East Tennessee affected by extreme flooding. The advisory advises the public to avoid all contact with waterbodies in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds and any other waters impacted by the recent flooding.
The advisory comes in the wake of unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, which has compromised several wastewater treatment plants. These plants are temporarily unable to fully treat effluent before it enters receiving waters. Additionally, some sewer line crossings may have been severed or damaged, allowing raw sewage to enter streams, and individual septic systems across the region may also be compromised.
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This precautionary measure is not based on specific water quality data but is a proactive step to safeguard public health. TDEC plans to resume water quality monitoring in the affected watersheds once conditions improve and the areas become safely accessible.
Floodwaters are generally assumed to carry bacteria and should be avoided when possible. People who come into contact with floodwaters are advised to wash with clean water and soap as soon as possible.
“TDEC prioritizes the health of our citizens, and we urge everyone in these areas to follow this advisory,” stated TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. TDEC is actively communicating with local facilities and providing technical support to resolve the issues swiftly. The advisory will be lifted when deemed appropriate following a thorough assessment of the situation.
For more information, please visit the TDEC website through this link.
Source: Read Original Release
Governor Lee Surveys Storm Damage in Tennessee
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, along with state officials, visited East Tennessee to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, offering support to local recovery efforts. Emergency shelters have been set up, and residents are advised to follow safety guidance and avoid scams during the recovery process.