TENNESSEE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
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State of Water

Our Water

Tennessee is a water rich state, there are thousands of miles of rivers and streams winding their way through our 95 counties. The state's waterways are the backbones of our communities; we fish, swim, and paddle these beautiful waterways. The rivers, lakes, and streams support vibrant ecosystems which species of wildlife need to thrive. 
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Water Quality in Tennessee

We used the impaired waterways list of the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment (TDEC) to inform our state of the environment report. TDEC puts together a list of the impaired rivers, lakes, and streams in Tennessee; the list is created in order to provide an overview of what water bodies need restoration or improvement. An impaired stream is defined as a waterway that is not currently meeting defined water quality standards. The health and water quality of a river, lake,  or stream is determined by the health and quality of the land the surrounds a waterway. We can improve the health of our waters by protecting and improving the land around the waterways.  
​The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has estimated that about 30 percent of the state's streams are of such poor water quality that they cannot support a healthy population of fish and other aquatic wildlife, and almost 40 percent are not fit for human recreation. - University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension
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The graphs above show the top four pollution causes and the top four pollution sources. Pollution from livestock grazing near waterways and pollution coming from large urban areas make up over 45% of all pollution in impaired streams. The data used in the graphs is derived from the 2020 TDEC Impaired Waters Report. 
There are 66,600 farms spread across 10.8 million acres in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. These farms are a major contributor of sediment, nutrient, and pesticide pollution in surface waters. - Tennessee Clean Water Network 

Get Involved

You can help protect Tennessee's waterways by volunteering for a local organization focused on watershed improvement and restoration. Organizations across the state are working to protect our water; it is easy to get involved! You can also start help protect our rivers, lakes, and streams by using a rain barrel or starting a rain garden. Check out the resources below to see how you can keep our waters clean and healthy. 
  • Tennessee Environmental Council Citizen Action Guide for watershed protection 
  • Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation 303d List
  • Tennessee Clean Water Network 
  • Harpeth Conservancy 
  • Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association
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Tennessee Environmental Council
​One Vantage Way Suite E-250
​Nashville, TN 37228 | 615-248-6500 | tec@tectn.org 
​We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1970.
  • Home
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer & Events
    • Come Post Your Compost >
      • Submit Compost Totals Here
      • Community Success Stories
      • Resources for Businesses
    • Generate Some Buzz
    • Recycling Roundups >
      • Recycle Tennessee >
        • Recycle Right Nashville
        • Recycle Right Knoxville
        • Recycle Right Oak Hill
        • Recycle Right Lebanon
    • Watershed Support Center >
      • Davidson County Creek Cleanups
      • Grassy Branch Creek Restoration Project
      • Lytle Creek Restoration Project
      • Duck River Opportunities Project
      • Stream Support and Consulting
      • Citizen Action Guide
    • Tennessee Tree Program >
      • Tennessee Tree Day
      • Tennessee Chestnut Project
      • Useful Tree Resources >
        • Benefits of trees
      • Guidelines For A Tennessee Tree Project Event
      • Tennessee Tree Varieties We Have Planted
    • Radioactive Waste Education Project
    • Intern with TEC
  • Donate & Ways to Give
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Mission, Vision & Accomplishments
    • 50 Years of Accomplishments