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How TVA Cares for Rivers and Water

How TVA Cares for Rivers and Water

About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Most of that water is in the oceans. But water is also found in lakes, rivers, glaciers, in the air and underground.

Because water is so important to the people, fish, animals and plants of the region, TVA works hard to protect the Tennessee River and improve the water so it’s safe for us and wildlife.

Our lakes and rivers are a home for:

Fish icon

240 different kinds of fish

Mussel icon

100 different kinds of mussels

Plant icon

A wide variety of plants

How Much Water Do We Use?

Every day, 12 billion gallons of water is taken out of the Tennessee River. A lot of that water is used by TVA’s nuclear and fossil plants.

The river water is turned to steam to make electricity. It also helps cool the steam back to water. If it’s too hot, the water can hurt fish and other aquatic life.

When the water is cool, it goes back into the river. About 70% of the water you use is flushed away or washed down a drain.

We want plenty of water left in the river so that animals can survive, people can enjoy themselves and boats can float their heavy loads.

People use water in many ways:

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Drinking

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Cooking

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Swimming

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Boating

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Making electricity

Clean Water Act

In 1972, the U.S. Congress created a new law, the Clean Water Act. This law set some standards for what could be put into rivers, lakes and streams. The law works to control pollution in our waterways.

TVA doesn't regulate water pollution. That’s the job of the Environmental Protection Agency – the EPA – and the states along the Tennessee River. But the Tennessee River is important to everything TVA does! That’s why TVA works hard to protect the river’s health.

Projects that Help Keep Water Clean

Clean Boating: Boaters learn how to fuel up boats safely, clean boats and throw away trash.

Helping Farmers: Farmers plant trees along streams. Trees stop soil and waste from washing into the water.

Shoreline Care: Rocks and plants help keep soil from washing into rivers.

Fish Homes: TVA adds artificial structures that give fish a safe place to live.

Litter Cleanup: Volunteers pick up trash from reservoirs.

You can help, too! Learn how to volunteer with TVA!

Man snorkling
River
Biologists testing the water
Volunteer With TVA Water Quality Shoreline Stabilization Clean Boating

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