Water Quality Issue at Tugaloo Beach - report

Following the installation of the Rover Run dog park on the hillside next to the parking area for the Tugaloo Swim Beach, the Tellico Village Property Owners Association (TVPOA) consented to support WATeR to undertake a water quality monitoring program to ensure suitability of the lake water at the swim beach for the purpose of recreational swimming, particularly after rainfall events.

From 2021 through 2025, WATER conducted regular E. coli monitoring at several locations, including Boat Docks B & C, the inlet to Tellico Lake, the Ponded Area near the Pavilion, the Swimming Area, and the Rover Run swale (see attached aerial photo). Results, measured in MPN/100 ml, were compared against Tennessee's revised single-sample recreational water quality standard of 410 CFU/100 ml (effective March 2024). MPN/100 ml and CFU/100 ml are measurements used by laboratories using different test methods but are treated as being equivalent measurements.

In response, WATER consulted with Julie Konkel, PhD, a Watershed Scientist & Coordinator with the Blount County Soil & Water Conservation District who recommended green infrastructure and led the effort for the project design and implementation. She was assisted by Madeline Walker, Natural Resources Conservation Intern also with the Blount County Soil & Water Conservation District for the Project Logistics & Implementation aspects dealing with the creation of a riparian garden and drainage swale.

The actual construction of the riparian garden and swales were performed under the direction of Caleb Morris, Properties Manager of the Tellico Village Property Owners Association (TVPOA). The Tellico Village Garden Club also worked in close coordination with the TVPOA for the installation of the riparian plantings.

In addition, this project was supported through a partnership with the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency (TRDA), which provided laboratory analysis at reduced cost. Nick Galloway, Chief Operations Manager, WWTP was essential for completion of the water sample analysis.

Click HERE for the complete report.