Health of our Watershed

Roddy Branch is moderately impacted by siltation and pathogens primarily from agriculture. Habitat alteration and removal of stream-side vegetation has impacted the health of this stream.

Russell Branch is severely impacted by siltation from development and PCBs from a hazardous waste site.

Pistol Creek is severely impacted by pathogens, nitrates, and siltation from land development, urban runoff, and habitat alteration.

Crooked Creek is severely impacted by siltation and pathogens from agriculture.

Hesse Creek water quality is good, but high pathogen concentrations have been observed.

Short Creek is moderately impacted due to high pathogen concentrations from unknown sources.

Stock Creek is moderately impacted by siltation and pathogens from agriculture and development. Habitat has been altered to such an extent that is is affecting the overall health of the stream.

Nails Creek is moderately impacted by high pathogen concentrations and habitat alteration primarily from agriculture.

Ellejoy Creek is moderately impacted by high pathogen and nitrate concentrations from agriculture.

Reed Creek water quality is good, but residential development in steep parts of this watershed threatens water quality. Erosion and sediment control practices can minimize such impacts.

Carr Creek water quality meets state standards though affected by high amounts of silt after heavy rains.

Water quality of Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is excellent. Downstream of the park, water quality is impacted by agricultural and development practices, urban runoff, and failing septic systems. Water quality slowly degrades with increasing distance from the park.