Water quality in Tennessee is a serious issue. We take pride in the beauty of our waterways—from majestic rivers to serene lakes, but litter threatens their health and well-being. This August, as we celebrate National Water Quality Month, it’s critical to tackle the litter problem and work to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of our waters.
The Impact of Litter on Tennessee’s Water Quality
Tennessee is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and aquifers. However, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has estimated that approximately 30 percent of the state’s streams have such poor water quality that they cannot support a healthy population of fish and other aquatic wildlife, and nearly 40 percent are not suitable for human recreation. Litter in waterways has severe environmental consequences. Plastics, bottles, and other debris can break down into harmful microplastics, posing a threat to water quality. Marine life ingests these microplastics, which then move up the food chain. This endangers marine life and the wildlife that relies on these water sources. Litter also disrupts natural habitats and contributes to the formation of harmful algal blooms. These blooms choke out native species, creating a more significant problem.
Litter also negatively impacts tourism and local businesses, which rely on clean, attractive waterways to draw tourists. When litter accumulates, tourism declines, resulting in lost revenue for the state and local communities. Cleaning up litter and restoring the health of waterways requires financial resources that could be allocated to other essential projects.
Identifying the Sources of Litter
When trash is thrown away improperly, it causes a big problem. Items tossed from vehicles get carried by rainwater runoff into storm drains, eventually reaching rivers and lakes. Common issues include littering on streets, leaving trash in public areas, and disposing of waste in unauthorized locations. Even small items, such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, beverage containers, and plastic bags, can severely harm aquatic ecosystems.
These lightweight items easily travel by wind and water, ending up in our rivers, streams, and lakes. Aquatic life can get tangled in it or ingest it. They also break down into microplastics, which threaten marine life and compromise water quality.
Be Part of the Solution
Everyone can help reduce litter by reducing their use of single-use plastics. A stylish stainless-steel water bottle not only keeps you hydrated in style but also helps reduce plastic waste. And those eco-friendly bags? They’re perfect for grocery runs and shopping sprees, all while minimizing our environmental impact. It’s a win-win for both you and our beautiful waters!
Ensure you dispose of waste in designated trash bins. Doing so prevents litter from being carried into waterways through storm drains. And when you can, recycle. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into materials and reduce the demand for fresh resources. When we take the extra step to sort our waste and recycling, we’re doing our part to keep Tennessee clean.
Volunteering for community clean-up events actively contributes to the restoration and preservation of Tennessee’s waters. These events not only remove trash but help foster a sense of togetherness. By participating in these events, you show that as Tennesseans, we care deeply about our state, its waters and the legacy we leave behind for future generations.
Continuing the Movement
Sometimes, the most powerful way to spread a message is through personal connections. Talk about the importance of clean water with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, and share the simple steps they can take to prevent littering. Share stories and facts that highlight the positive changes that collective action can achieve. By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, we cultivate a generation that cherishes and protects our waters.
Social media also plays a powerful role in spreading the message. Share posts from accounts like Nobody Trashes Tennessee and encourage others to do the same. Creating a ripple effect of awareness can help turn the tide for Tennessee’s waters and ensure a sustainable future.
As we celebrate National Water Quality Month this August, let’s commit to keeping Tennessee’s waters clean and free from litter. By reducing single-use plastics, practicing proper waste disposal, recycling, participating in clean-up events and promoting education and awareness, we can make a real difference. Even the smallest actions count. When we join forces, we create a wave of positive change.
Sources:
https://www.tectn.org/stateofwater.html
https://tenngreen.org/national-water-quality-month-tennessees-water-quality/
https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/learn-about-aquatic-trash
