Watershed Protection
Through partnerships with engineers, landscape architects, local governments, and neighbors, WaterWays coordinates and supports watershed protection programs and restoration projects throughout the Southeastern US and in the Caribbean. There are mounting threats to watersheds and ultimately human health, such as acid mine drainage, sewage pollution, erosion, and litter. To tackle these issues we utilize local and national grants, synthesize solutions, and rely on our incredible community members to make lasting and impactful change. Every action we take contributes to improving water quality.
Long-Term Watershed Based Projects:
Chattanooga Creek
WaterWays is taking action against the two biggest pollution problems in the water column: sewage and litter.
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Mountain Creek
Since 2010, WaterWays has worked in the Mtn. Creek Watershed to reduce erosion and implement natural stream protection projects.
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Signal Streams
WaterWays is offering septic inspection and repair assistance for Signal Mountain homeowners within the Bee Branch Area!
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Watershed Protection Programs:
Streambank Repair
In collaboration with TVA and UT Knoxville’s Agricultural Extension Program, WaterWays organizes Streambank Repair Workshops within the Tennessee River Basin. These workshops aim to restore streams affected by flash flooding, loss of riparian vegetation, and eroding streambanks. Discover more about natural streambank repair methods, such as livestaking, coir matting, and log placement.
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Litter Booms & Trash Free Tomorrow
In 2021, WaterWays collaborated with Osprey Initiatives and the City of Chattanooga to introduce Tennessee’s inaugural litter boom, a floating trap designed to capture debris such as plastic bottles before they break down. Since then, we have successfully installed four more booms—three in Chattanooga and one in St. Lucia. Join us in advancing this data-driven initiative!
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Green Infrastructure
Have you heard of grey infrastructure? This includes roads, buildings, drains, and more. However, we believe that green infrastructure is not only more beneficial for our watersheds but also so much prettier! WaterWays is committed to the idea that these innovative stormwater practices represent the future. Through thoughtful collaboration, we offer several programs that support this initiative.
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Monitoring
We live in a water world! Local, state, and federal entities work together to monitor major streams and creeks throughout the year. However, almost 40% of our Tennessee WaterWays go unmonitored. Chemical and biotic testing helps us take the pulse on our waterways – we need your help! Check your local stream or creek below.
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Related Posts
Citico Litter Boom Installation
On March 22nd, World Water Day, WaterWays and Hamilton County Parks joined forces to install a Litter Boom at the outflow of the Citico Creek watershed. In Chattanooga, all watersheds eventually flow into the Tennessee River, and the Citico Creek
Red Bank Elementary Stream Team!
Red Bank Elementary School’s Stream Team has successfully completed their stewardship program for the year! Fifth-grade students collaborated with WaterWays staff to install livestakes—cuttings from native shrubs and trees—along the banks of Mountain Creek. This creek is identified as impaired,
Baylor Protects Stringers Branch
On February 22nd, 2025, Baylor students and staff participated in the installation of the first Litter Boom on campus. This floating structure is designed to block the flow of floating debris, such as plastic bottles and cans. This simple yet
