While summertime has heated up this year and you might be thinking about taking a dip in your local river or stream to cool off, some experts are asking that you think again before getting into local waters.
A new study found many parts of Tennessee’s rivers and lakes are simply too polluted to safely swim in.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data was reviewed by researchers for more than 16,000 miles of the state’s rivers, creeks, and streams. They found that nearly 60% of those waters are impaired by pollutants — including close to half of the state’s lakes being impaired as well.
Researchers and EPA officials both agree that this problem is getting worse.
Experts say sewage and sediment are two of the prominent pollutants in area waterways, citing EPA map data that shows many of Tennessee’s lakes and rivers as being too polluted for recreational activities.
Map courtesy EPA.gov
Of concern for those seeking recreation in our immediate area is the Nickajack Reservoir, which EPA studies show carries Dioxins and PCBs, as well as Norovirus, the most commonly acquired illness from contaminated waters. All of these pollutants cause concern for swimming and some recreational boating activities (tubing, skiing, jet ski, paddling, etc. where one may come into frequent contact with the water).
Image from Captain Experiences.
Locally, the lower Sequatchie River from Whitwell south to the confluence with the Tennessee River, Pryor Cove Creek and Standifer Branch in Jasper, Pocket Creek in Whitwell, Sweeten’s Creek and several other tributaries on South Pittsburg Mountain from source to the confluence with Battle Creek, and Cannon Creek in Bledsoe and Sequatchie Counties all show impairments according to the EPA.
Experts say in addition to sewage, wastes, chemicals, and other liquid or chemical pollutants, other pollution comes from littering and improper waste disposal, as many various food containers, cups, bottles, and other trash find their way into area waterways and along the banks. Water runoff from infrastructure ranging from new parking lots and rooftops of buildings can also carry pollutants into our waterways, however many new constructions are now built to capture the water runoff and filter or clean it first or recycle it for use elsewhere watering flowers or gardens, etc.
The National Library of Medicine say pathogens from water pollution carry other health risks for swimmers including skin rashes, infections, and in more severe cases, even death.
Kathleen Gibi of Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful with Callie Schaser from Living Lands & Waters, removing a large tire from the water. Photo by Marie Cullis – becauseturtleseatplasticbags.com
Officials with multiple agencies in the state say that these conditions can improve, but it will take time. People using creeks and streams as a way to dispose of things is a primary cause for this process to take such a long time.
They say if we want to safely enjoy our local waterways, the best thing for us to do is take better care of keeping them clean by properly disposing of wastes and not littering. Several organizations in the state work hard each year with various cleanup projects along our area waterways in an effort to make improvements.
Local youth groups such as the Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) and Cub Scout groups often participate in these cleanup efforts along with other youth organizations in our local and surrounding communities. But the real help, officials say, starts with you–by making sure to dispose of things properly in the first place.
In Marion County, local trash relay centers are located across the county that will take your waste items at no cost (with some restrictions on certain items). Used motor oil, oil filters and anti-freeze can be disposed locally at the landfill convenience center on Browder Switch Road in Jasper. Other waste items can be disposed at various places as well, the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation has a helpful tool to guide you: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/sw-solid-waste.html.
For now, if you enjoy using local water for recreation they say if you must get in the water to limit your exposure and to wash yourself thoroughly in clean water as soon as possible afterwards.
