Tennessee Valley Authority
Kingston Ash Slide
Water Testing Results
As of April 19, TVA has taken more than 1107 surface water samples from the Emory, Clinch, and Tennessee River. TDEC has taken more than 130 samples. Addtionally, between December 23, 2008, and January 2, 2009, the EPA took 28 samples.
TDEC tests show the water is safe in that it meets the quality standards set by the state for drinking water. TDEC is also testing private groundwater wells, and those results show these water sources meet standards, as well. Each agency does its own sampling, and the analyses are done by certified, independent labs.
Below, TVA has provided graphs of Arsenic concentrations correlated with Total Suspended Solids and Emory River Flow at all river locations beginning December 22, 2008 and continuing through April 1, 2009. In January 2009, TVA began routine sampling three days per week (and following rainfall events) at two locations on the Tennessee River, four locations on the Clinch River, and three locations on the Emory River.
A second set of graphs showing Arsenic, Selenium, and Mercury concentrations at the routine river sampling locations beginning March 1 can be viewed by clicking the second link. This second set is simplified to show only the maximum value for each metal for any given day. TVA began dredging on March 19, 2009. No significant increase in the three metals has been seen as a result of the dredging.
View Detailed TVA Test Results For Arsenic at Multiple Locations
View TVA Routine River Sampling for Arsenic, Selenium, and Mercury - Maximum Values
For a map showing the interaction of the three rivers, click the map thumbnail on right.
The nearest downstream municipal water treatment plant to the ash slide is the City of Kingston, TN. Since January 6, 2009 the City of Kingstonhas been sampling intake water and their finished water at the Kingston water treatment plant on a daily basis.
Sampling results of untreated river water did show that some metals were elevated just after the incident, and again after a heavy rainfall on 1/6/2009. However, subsequent sampling events have demonstrated lower amounts of suspended ash, and test results show metals below safe drinking water limits.
Through February 3, TDEC has sampled more than 100 private groundwater wells within a four mile radius of the plant. All sample results were within safe drinking water standards. Those members of the public within this vicinity who desire to have their drinking water ground wells tested should call (865) 594-6035 to schedule.
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