America's water quality - regional perspective: Tennessee Valley

Journal Article · · Forum Appl. Res. Publ. Pol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6813850

Duda, A M; Campbell, A J

The Tennessee Valley region consists of 201 counties served by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) power distribution network. It covers all of Tennessee and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia. The area is typical of the mid-South, ranging from Appalachia's steep, forested mountains on the east to flat flood plains bordering the Mississippi River on the west. The region is primarily rural - only 16 of the 201 counties have more than 75,000 residents. The Tennessee River, the nation's fifth largest, is the dominant surface-water feature. Many of the region's major rivers and reservoirs are safe for recreation and support a diverse fishery. Yet, most experience some water-quality impairment, at least on a seasonal basis, that prevents them from fully achieving clean water goals set by Congress. This regional picture parallels the national situation, with more than 50 percent of the nation's water impacted by pollution and data showing minimal improvements in river water quality except for reductions in fecal bacteria.

• OSTI ID: 6813850
• Journal Information: Forum Appl. Res. Publ. Pol.; (United States), Journal Name: Forum Appl. Res. Publ. Pol.; (United States) Vol. 2:4; ISSN FARPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130600 -- Hydro Energy-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
COAL MINES
DAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MINES
POWER PLANTS
RIVERS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
TENNESSEE VALLEY REGION
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
WATER QUALITY
WATER RESERVOIRS