Samples confirm regional rivers are back to pre-hurricane quality

The waters of the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe and Watauga rivers have returned to the levels and quality they contained before Hurricane Helene.

The Department of Environment and Conservation released that news along with the lifting of water contact advisory declared after the crest of flooding.

The report said the testing began in October at selected stations of affected rivers to determine if hazardous conditions were created by the flood’s sweeping waters.

TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said samples were monitored to assure Tennesseans of the region’s water quality.

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