PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Pikeville is facing serious trouble with state environmental officials after new water quality tests revealed contamination in the Sequatchie River.
News 12 took a drive down to show what has been going on.
In the video, viewers can see part of the Sequatchie River.
At first glance it may look like a calm stream or small pond, but this section of the river tested high for E. coli, with levels strong enough to harm swimmers or boaters.
Recent tests showed bacteria counts nearly one hundred times higher than state standards.
Because of that, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is requiring the city to post warning signs at river access points, alerting the public that sanitary sewage may be present in the water.
The city is also under orders to conduct weekly water testing until bacteria levels return to safe levels.
If Pikeville fails to follow the state’s directives, it could face civil penalties.
This order is part of a broader violation notice tied to the city’s wastewater permit, which governs how treated sewage can be discharged into the river.
The city has not yet released a statement on how it plans to address the violations.
News 12 will continue to provide updates on the progress Pikeville makes and the steps being taken to keep residents safe.
