TDEC Lifts Water Contact Advisory for Cash Hollow Creek in Washington County

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has lifted a water contact advisory for Cash Hollow Creek in Johnson City. The creek is a tributary to Knob Creek in Washington County.

Water contact advisories are issued when recreational use (swimming, wading, or fishing) has been impaired by significantly elevated pathogen levels. The duration, magnitude, and frequency of the pathogen levels are considered when issuing an advisory.

Pathogen data collected during 2021 and 2022 in Cash Hollow Creek, have decreased to a level where TDEC can recommend lifting the water contact advisory.

TDEC issues advisories so the community can make informed decisions about water contact hazards. Now that the advisory is lifted, TDEC will remove warning signs at primary public access points.

About Advisories

The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act identifies the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as having the authority and responsibility to issue advisories for either water contact hazards like pathogens or excessive health risks due to the accumulation of contaminants in fish or shellfish. Tennessee's General Water Quality Criteria provide additional guidance regarding the conditions under which advisories may be warranted.

A complete listing of Tennessee's current bacteriological and fishing advisories plus additional information about the advisory issuance process can be found on the TDEC website.