We all need water everyday.
“The world has no more fresh water than it did 2000 years ago, when the population was less than 3% of its present size.”
- Earth Island Journal, “Water Wars, Water Cures”, Spring 2000

Together we can make a difference:
  • We all can be environmental stewards
  • We all can reduce water pollution
  • We all can reduce water waste
  • We all are Stakeholders

The hydrologic cycle is how our water resources are replenished. It is a system where soil, air and water interact. Temperature and wind speed effect the the rate of evaporation of our surface water storage.


Where does watershed pollution come from?

First, a watershed is a land area that drains rain water and snow melt into streams and rivers.

The force of gravity carries water to its destination. Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock.

Because Richland Creek Watershed is mostly in an urban area, water is unable to infiltrate to soil and aquifer naturally. Rain water collects pollutants as it travels over paved and chemically treated areas into the city’s stormwater system. This unfiltered and untreated storm water goes directly to Richland Creek or its tributaries.

Our water supply is limited.
• Of the enormous amount of water on the planet only 1% is suitable for consumption - 97% is sea water and 2% is ice
• Of that 1%, only 10% is accessible – 60% of water resources are where only 40% of the global population resides
• 45% of that water is used and returned polluted by agriculture and industry

The Clean Water Act tells us our waters are impaired.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1972 was enacted due to threatening industry discharges into our water resources.

The Environmental Protection Agency enforces these environmental laws (regulations).

Our State agency, the Tennessee Dept of Environment and Conservation , has compliance responsibility for these regulations of Tennessee waters. They issue permits to Tennessee cities and industries that may pollute or use our water resources.

Currently, Metro Nashville is in violation of their permit, and consequently, we have what the law calls, “impaired waters,” in Nashville. Richland Creek and Cumberland River are listed.