Preface
Turkey Creek and its tributaries are natural surface waterways and are not part of FUD’s water system. As with any natural waterway, individuals should use reasonable caution when accessing or recreating in the area. Out of an abundance of caution, areas of concern will remain marked with signage and caution tape while monitoring and sampling continue until conditions return to historical levels.
Event Details
On May 11, 2026, First Utility District (FUD) was notified of a sewer concern affecting the North Fork Turkey Creek area between Grigsby Chapel Road and Fort Loudoun Reservoir. Upon notification, FUD staff immediately responded to investigate the situation and determined that a sewer line near the intersection of Grigsby Chapel Road and North Campbell Station Road had been damaged during nearby contractor activity, resulting in a sanitary sewer overflow. The damage was not immediately visible or identified at the time it occurred. Repairs to the damaged sewer line were coordinated immediately and were completed by approximately 3:00 p.m. that same day.
Prior to FUD’s notification, the Town of Farragut had received concerns from members of the community regarding conditions in the area beginning Friday, May 8, 2026. FUD was notified of the situation by the Town of Farragut at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026. Upon receiving notification, FUD immediately initiated response protocols, including repair efforts, environmental assessment measures, and all required reporting and compliance notifications with the State of Tennessee. FUD continues to work cooperatively with local and regulatory agencies to monitor the affected area through ongoing testing and sampling as recovery efforts continue.
Compliance Testing Information
First Utility District of Knox County is using a standard EPA-approved enzyme substrate test to measure concentrations of E. coli in Turkey Creek following the sewer leak. E. coli is a reliable indicator of fecal contamination and is commonly used to evaluate water quality. This is the same testing method used by FUD to monitor treated wastewater effluent discharged to Fort Loudoun Lake under FUD’s existing NPDES Permit.
Sampling is being conducted daily at seven (7) locations along approximately 1.5 miles of Turkey Creek, as shown on the attached map. Testing begins at a point upstream of the sewer main break to establish background conditions and continues downstream to where the creek enters Fort Loudoun Lake. The ongoing monitoring program is intended to track stream conditions and evaluate recovery following the release. FUD has maintained historical test data for E.coli counts within the stream, and the counts from Kingston Pike south to Fort Loudon Lake have returned to historical levels. Counts between Grigsby Chapel to Kingston Pike are declining daily. Updated sampling information and testing results may be viewed here.
FUD remains committed to responsible environmental stewardship, proactive infrastructure maintenance, and transparent communication with the community. Verified updates will continue to be provided as additional information becomes available.
Completion of Event-Related Sampling
May 29, 2026
First Utility District has continued to work closely with TDEC regarding the recent sewer overflow event. Following extensive response, repair, and environmental sampling efforts, current testing indicates that the affected area has returned to pre-event conditions. Based upon TDEC guidance and sampling review, overflow-related sampling and cautionary monitoring efforts conducted by FUD are now complete.
While temporary fluctuations may continue within the creek system due to rainfall runoff and other environmental factors, this waterway has carried an impaired stream designation for many years prior to this incident. As such, any future concerns regarding watershed contaminants or creek conditions should be directed to the appropriate watershed authorities, in this case, the Town of Farragut.
FUD responded immediately upon notification, completed repairs, restored the affected area, and continued extensive monitoring efforts beyond restoration activities out of an abundance of caution, all while operating in compliance with TDEC environmental response and reporting requirements.
We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by members of the community throughout this situation, particularly as varying information and speculation have circulated through multiple sources. FUD remains committed to supporting our community and staying true to our long-standing mission of providing quality water and reliable sewer services, maintaining reasonable rates, delivering exceptional customer service, and serving as an effective partner in community growth and development.