Statement of SCCA concerning water shed protection

Statement of the South Cumberland Community Association [SCCA] concerning watershed protection for Lakes O’Donnell and Jackson.

Sewanee Utility District (SUD) water customers are fortunate to have some of the best water in Tennessee. While most state residents use rivers or wells for potable water, all SUD water comes from the rain that falls on this part of the plateau. Therefore, there is concern about contamination of the [watershed] land that feeds water to Lakes O’Donnell and Jackson. Additionally in emergencies the Sewanee Utility District (SUD) has also been allowed to use water from Lake Dimmick. Consequently, the watershed  of this lake is also important.

In contrast to the rainwater collected on the plateau for water systems, those systems that depend on rivers carry water from hundreds or thousands of miles upstream. Rivers can be contaminated from any source along the way. Additionally, wells can be contaminated from surface pollutants that seep into or otherwise find their way into the underground water table. Potential river and well pollutants include toxic waste and manufacturing or construction byproducts, plus pesticides, such as those used to kill weeds [herbicides], insects [insecticides], fungi [fungicides] rats and mice [rodenticides], and nematodes [nematocides]. These can be toxic to humans in excessive quantities. There has also been recent concern about disposal of  drugs that are excreted in urine.These include hormones (found in birth-control pills), antibiotics and other drugs  that are disposed by flushing into sewer systems. These may be accumulating to worrisome levels in  public water sources. The concern is the possible effects in  fetal development and cancer incidence.

Sewanee Utility District water can only be contaminated is from pollutants, construction by-products or pesticides. Pesticides are applied to the watersheds of a Lakes O'Donnell and Jackson [and Dimmick]. SUD water purification and transport to customer faucets may add only small and largely unavoidable contaminants.  Protecting the watersheds of Lakes O'Donnell, Jackson and Dimmick is the key to protecting Sewanee's water supply.

In light of the above, the South Cumberland Association (SCCA)  strongly supports the efforts of SUD Commissioners to thoroughly explore its responsibility and authority for watershed protection with the appropriate state agencies, legal advisers, the University of the South, and to work cooperatively with landowners in the watershed area. This must be done to protect public health and to assure a continuing supply of quality water. The SCCA also supports the SUD  plan to develop a watershed protection policy  this year.  The Sewanee Utility District and its Commissioners are to be commended on their continuing efforts to supply reliable and safe water to the community.