Headwater streams are, seasonal streams with little to no aquatic life however they provide much needed flow to adjoining tributaries which eventually flow into our state’s designated drinking water sources

Headwater streams are, seasonal streams with little to no aquatic life however they provide much needed flow to adjoining tributaries which eventually flow into our state’s designated drinking water sources. LIFTING PROTECTION OF EPHEMERAL WATER BODIES WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE OVERALL WATER QUANTITY THROUGH OUT THE STATE.

The stream miles and water bodies that are not meeting their designated uses, increases every year throughout the state. If passed, this bill will continue this trend to a greater extant. LIFTING PROTECTION OF ANY WATER BODY ONLY INCREASES THE POTENTIAL OF GREATER DOWNSTREM DESTRUCTION.

Wetlands are often seasonal water bodies. Since the 1990’s Tennessee has lost approximately half of its wetlands. WETLANDS SWERVE SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT PURPOSES throughout the state:

Protection from flooding

Filter and purify surface waters

Serve as habitat to a variety of aquatic species

Lifting protection of these waters also lifts protection of the adjacent lands. A significant portion of ephemeral streams rest in mountainous areas with seasonal flows unable to support aquatic life due to the terrain, but these areas have GREAT WORTH AS RECREATIONAL, NATURAL AND SCENIC AREAS TO BOTH RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.