Feb. 21, 2022

City earns TDEC water system approval score of 98

Johnson City’s water system has earned a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) sanitary survey score of 98. Water systems must earn a 95 or higher to be considered approved.

This process occurs every 18-24 months and involves a multi-day onsite inspection by TDEC personnel. Areas of focus and grading include: system management and operation; operator compliance; sources of water; treatment of water; monitoring and data verification; finished water storage; and distribution and cross-connection control.

“The City Commission’s commitment to investing in our system is critical to keeping it operating at a high level and allowing us to deliver services without interruption,” said Tom Witherspoon, director of Water and Sewer Services.

Johnson City operates a water system in portions of four counties through a 946-mile pipe network from two water sources and serves an estimated population of 112,115. The system, which includes two treatment plants and 106 water facilities, has received consecutive approvals for more than 40 years.

“Safe, clean drinking water is a priority. There are far more pieces and parts to operating a water system than most people realize,” Witherspoon said. “Our staff does a tremendous job ensuring that every detail of our system is in compliance with regulatory standards, and we are proud to have the hard work of our employees recognized by TDEC.”

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