Residents in parts of eastern Tennessee are facing a water crisis as at least 16 utilities in the area have issued boil water advisories, prompting a mandatory water conservation order. The affected counties include Sullivan, Carter, Johnson, Greene, Unicoi, and Washington, as well as parts of Cocke, Sevier, and Jefferson counties.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has urged citizens in these areas to conserve water as much as possible during this critical time of limited resources. TDEC Commissioner David Salyers emphasized the importance of clean water for recovery efforts and called upon residents to minimize non-essential water usage.
The conservation order specifically targets activities such as washing clothes and running dishwashers, which are considered non-essential uses of water. However, it is crucial that any water intended for consumption be boiled in areas under boil-water advisories to ensure safety.
With the boil water advisories in place, it is essential for residents to follow these guidelines to protect their health and well-being. The cooperation of the community in conserving water will help mitigate the impact of the current water challenges in eastern Tennessee.
