TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issued a temporary water contact advisory telling the public to avoid all contact with bodies of water affected by Hurricane Helene.
The advisory applies to the following waterbodies: Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe and the Watauga River.
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TDEC said the advisory was issued out of precaution and was not based on any data. The department will monitor the waterbodies as areas become more accessible.
“The health of our citizens is top priority at TDEC, and we urge everyone in these areas to follow this advisory,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers.
Several wastewater treatment plants have been compromised and are temporarily unable to be treated.
TDEC said floodwaters should be avoided and assumed to carry bacteria. Those who come into contact with any affected waterbodies should wash their skin with soap and clean water.
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