Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

Flood Impacts

State of Tennessee’s Resources for Storm and Flood Victims

Emergency Flood Recovery Activities and Permitting for Stream Alterations

The Mississippi River crested Tuesday at 47.87 feet in Memphis. The water level of the Mississippi River and its tributaries will remain high for several days. Rivers and creeks are flowing swiftly and are filled with debris, trash and other pollutants. Several intersections remain closed due to the high water. Wastewater treatment plants in Memphis are functioning, though some manholes and pump stations are under water.

Governor Haslam visited Memphis earlier this week and announced 15 counties in Tennessee have received a federal disaster declaration. FEMA representatives are in Memphis to open service centers to help victims. More than 300 people from Shelby County have applied for FEMA assistance. Five shelters are open in Memphis and are housing over 500 people. Remarkably, no deaths have occurred as a result of the flood and with a population of 923,023 most residents in Shelby County have not been affected. Several staff members in TDEC’s Memphis Environmental Field Office have been in the field daily collecting water samples and checking on regulated facilities.

People should avoid contact with flood waters if at all possible, and floodwater should not be consumed, even with home treatment. In addition to safety considerations with swift currents, floodwater can contain sewage, petroleum products and other chemicals. Flood waters may contain bacteria from human and animal wastes. While skin contact with flood water does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible to lessen the chance for infection or illness. Chemical contamination of flood waters can also occur and contamination levels may be higher nearer to sources such as industrial locations. Skin and clothing should be washed thoroughly after contact with flood water.

Wells that have been overtopped by floodwaters should only be used after floodwaters recede, then prior to use, the water withdrawn should not be used without boiling or adding bleach. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation can assist well owners with information on well disinfection.

Please call the department toll-free at 888-891-TDEC (8332) or click here for more information on What to Do with Your Water Well After a Flood.

Current Statewide Status Reports from TEMA

Food Safety a Priority in Flood Aftermath