KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Usually, the Tennessee River flowing through downtown Knoxville has a dark blue color. After Hurricane Helene, the river has taken on a distinctly brown tone — sparking concerns about its cleanliness.
The Knoxville Utilities Board said it is continually working to make sure the area's water is clean to drink and clean with. It goes through six major steps, taking water from the river and purifying it to ensure it's safe.
"This is our source water," said Chris Thomas, Manager of Plant Operations for KUB.
Thomas has worked with KUB for 21 years. He said the brown color is mostly from an increase in the water's turbidity — marked by an increase in mud and dirt floating through the river. He also said despite an increase in the Tennessee River's turbidity, KUB's water quality has remained the same after it's done undergoing its lengthy treatment process. Most of the turbidity is removed during the clarifier stage, Thomas said.
While clarifying, the water's color is removed and it ends up with its usual, clear look. Once it's done clarifying, KUB moves water into the filter gallery for the next step of the purification process.
"The filter adds that final polish to the water," Thomas said. "Much closer to being potable."
The water also undergoes remaining chemical treatment before being pumped to customers for drinking and washing.
While KUB is able to clean water in its coverage area, there are regions of East Tennessee unable to clean its water after the flooding. Several boil water advisories remained in place Thursday evening, especially in Greene County after flooding knocked out most of its water systems.