Who is in charge of protecting our rivers and streams in Tennessee?
The Clean Water Act amendments of 1972 and the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act of 1977 (Title 69) both regulate the quality of water in the state. They include laws protecting our rivers and streams from pollution and preventing further contamination. The Division of Water Pollution Control of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is entrusted with protecting the people’s right to enjoy clean water. They are responsible for administration of the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act. They oversee all water pollution concerns, issue permits to allow impacts to our waters, conducts water quality monitoring and much more.