Water Quality Committee Work
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Over the years the Water Quality Committee has led many efforts to improve and monitor the water quality of the Tellico Reservoir Watershed. Most noteworthy of these efforts was the effort to improve the effluent from the Madisonville Water treatment plant. This effort took many years, coordination with other government and private agencies, and several court cases.
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WATeR has also worked with other agencies to improve agricultural practices to lessen pollution runoff into the lake. These efforts are on-going. Agricultural runoff pollution is significant in this watershed because much of the watershed is located in rural, agricultural, areas.
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Perhaps the most critical and unaddressed problem facing the watershed today is residential pollution runoff from the communities that have been built around Tellico Lake. Residents must be educated in how to avoid runoff and must be encouraged to change their lawn fertilizer methods and to grow boundaries that will lessen the runoff.
It can be done.
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Water Safety
Water Quality in Embayments
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WATeR has done a study to determine if it is safe to swim in Tellico Reservoir. Bottom line, avoid shallow embayments after heavy rains.
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Water Quality Monitoring
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We all expect to have clear blue water, but unfortunately, it has been observed in recent years that the water takes on a green tint, especially in the summer. Read more to see the studies WATeR has undertaken on this topic.
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Read new report on algae in lake here.
PCB in the Lake
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WATeR has been checking TDEC's PCB data for years. And it is not as bad as it used to be.
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Water Quality Improvement
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The water quality of Tellico Lake's tributary streams is important because the streams are often the source of major water pollution. WATeR does water testing to support State and Federal Agencies who work with local property owners to improve the water quality of tributaries to the reservoir.
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Cattle Watering
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Local farmers are implementing better, less polluting, methods for watering cattle.
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Soil Conservation
Crop management and stormwater runoff control are important elements for managing both the farm and the environment. Watch here for two short documentaries of local projects that have been recently completed.
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Hydrilla has been found in Tellico Lake
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WATeR has found hydrilla in a few places in Tellico Lake. It is an invasive plant. Hydrilla is considered a noxious pest because it grows so rapidly, out competing and eliminating native species, and forming surface mats that hinder recreation, navigation, and water intakes. Read more here. And here. WATeR has been in contact with TVA about the hydrilla and they have confirmed its presence here. Next steps are not decided. If you think you have seen hydrilla send an email to info@tellicowater.org
Asian Carp Migration in Tennessee River System
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WATeR is tracking the migration of Asian Carp in the Lower Tennessee River System and the plans and progress to prevent them from reaching East Tennessee
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Shoreline Erosion
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Shoreline erosion is usually caused by wind and boat wakes. Erosion can cause land loss, tree falls and increased turbidity.
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