KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A report released by the
Tennessee Division of Water Resources contains a long list of East Tennessee
waterways that have been deemed unsafe for fishing, swimming or recreational
activities due to high levels of potentially harmful bacteria.
The report states that streams or lakes found to have high
levels of bacteria will have clearly visible signs posted to warn people of any
threat to public health.
"The presence of pathogens, disease-causing organisms,
affects the public’s ability to safely swim, wade, and fish in streams
and reservoirs.
Pathogen sources include failing septic tanks, collection
system failure, failing animal waste systems, or urban runoff," says
the report. " About 122 river miles are posted due to bacterial contamination."
In addition, Approximately 124,000 reservoir acres and 368
river miles are currently posted due to contaminated fish. This means that no
fish should be consumed from the waterways listed in the report.
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