We're Hiring! Join the Team at the Water Center! | |
The Tennessee Water Resources Research Center (TNWRRC) is looking for passionate individuals to fill two new open positions. If you want to make a real impact on our state's water resources, apply today!
🔹 Research Specialist - Help support our expanding technical assistance, modeling, and research initiatives.
👉 Apply here: https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/8205

🔹 Research Assistant - Gain hands-on experience and play a vital role in executing our latest water utility and field projects.
👉 Apply here: https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/8204
đź“Ś Note: Applications for both roles will remain open until an adequate number of qualified applicants have applied.
Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Forward this newsletter to them!
|   Global Funding Opportunity: Fulbright Research Award in the Netherlands | |
UTK’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships has highlighted an incredible international opportunity for advanced students specializing in Civil Engineering and flood management. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is offering a specialty research award based in the Netherlands, specifically affiliated with the prestigious Delft University of Technology.
This 9-month specialty grant is primarily designed for graduate students or highly trained undergraduates. The funding can be used to support research for a PhD dissertation or serve as a post-B.S./M.S. experience to advance your education and global expertise in water resources.
If you or a student you mentor have research interests that align with this opportunity, please reach out directly to the UTK Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships to learn more about the application process and receive specialized advising.
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TNSA Accepting Conference Scholarship Applications
 Now thru August 31!
|   TNWRRC Website is Currently Undergoing Updates | Our TNWRRC website is currently undergoing a series of maintenance updates as we work to improve its functionality and accessibility. Looking ahead, we hope to be able to do a major overhaul of the site in the coming weeks to better serve as a hub for Tennessee’s water research and technical resources. We appreciate your patience during this transition period and we will be sure to let everyone know as the updated site is made publicly available! | | Growing Canopy to Manage Water: Researching Novel Stormwater Tree Systems in Knoxville | | |
A pioneering green infrastructure project is currently underway in Knoxville, led by the Tennessee Water Resources Research Center’s (TNWRRC) Jon Hathaway and Dr. Kay Bernard. Backed by funding from the U.S. Forest Service, the research team is installing state-of-the-art Gravel Tree Stormwater Systems (GTSS) across the city. This novel design integrates urban forestry with engineered stormwater management, investigating the feasibility of growing healthy canopy trees within the heavily compacted gravel bases that sit beneath structures like parking lots.
By maximizing below-ground stormwater storage, GTSS allows municipalities to reintroduce nature into highly developed urban centers where traditional tree planting is impossible. Compared to existing suspended pavement technologies, these systems offer a highly cost-effective breakthrough for cities. Once deployed, they are expected to significantly reduce localized stormwater runoff, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and lower ambient air pollution—ultimately increasing property values and boosting the general quality of life for urban communities.
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Waterfest 2026: A Family Celebration of Local Waterways | |
Waterfest 2026, hosted by the Cumberland River Compact and the City of Goodlettsville, is a free family festival dedicated to celebrating our local streams and rivers. Taking place on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Peay Park in Goodlettsville, this event offers a perfect blend of environmental education and summer excitement.
Attendees of all ages can engage with interactive displays from environmental educators to learn about watershed health while enjoying two waterslides, a splash pad, and a family dance party. Supported by the cities of Gallatin and Hendersonville, the event is free for individuals and families, though large groups and day camps are encouraged to register in advance.
| Second Annual Tennessee River Mussel Fest Happening June 27 at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Knoxville | |
Celebrate the "silent superstars" of our waterways at the 2nd annual Tennessee River Mussel Fest on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Hosted at Seven Islands State Birding Park, this innovative festival is a collaboration between Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, the UT Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences, and Tennessee State Parks. TNWRRC will have a booth set up with
The TNWRRC, along with the Water Quality Forum, will have a booth on-site, so be sure to stop by and say hello to our team! The event features hands-on activities designed to showcase the vital role mussels play in filtering and protecting our rivers, including:
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Live Demonstrations: See the incredible impact mussels have on water clarity in real-time.
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Interactive Games: Test your knowledge with the "Mussel Memory" game and other educational stations.
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Conservation Opportunities: Learn about the "Adopt a Mussel" initiative and ongoing inventory efforts in the watershed.
| Upcoming TN Water Technical Assistance Trainings | |
The Tennessee Water Technical Assistance (TA) program offers virtual training opportunities designed to enhance the technical and operational expertise of water professionals.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM CST, TNWRRC will host a technical webinar focused on the biological mechanisms required to effectively remove nitrogen from wastewater streams. Led by wastewater expert Dr. Larry Moore, this session is designed specifically for treatment operators and engineers looking to optimize system performance.
Participants will explore the critical environmental factors necessary for successful denitrification, review common system configurations, and learn practical troubleshooting strategies to maintain strict regulatory compliance.
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When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST
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Speaker: Dr. Larry Moore
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Credits: Approved for 2.0 CEUs toward Tennessee TDEC certifications
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Registration: Click here to register via Zoom
| TNWRRC Training Programs: Skills That Make a Difference | Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (TNEPSC) Training Program for Construction Sites — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has adopted a general permit to aid in erosion prevention and sediment control at construction sites. TNWRRC offers the following classes: Level 1 Fundamentals, Level 1 Recertification, Level 2 Design Principles for Erosion Prevention Control for Construction Sites, and Level 2 Recertification. | Tennessee Stormwater Management Training Program — The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) partners with the University of Tennessee to establish the Tennessee Stormwater Management Training program. The program offers multiple educational resources and training opportunities, including the preparation and implementation of stormwater pollution prevention plans for construction activities, and the design and management of stormwater runoff from developed areas. | Tennessee Hydrologic Determination Training — The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) partners with the University of Tennessee to offer this course, designed to meet the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 69-3-105, including establishing standard procedures for making stream and wet weather conveyance determinations that take into consideration biology, geology, geomorphology, precipitation, hydrology, and other scientifically based principles and a certification program for TDEC staff and other persons who wish to become certified hydrologic professionals. | | |
Position: Project Manager I, Kentucky River Basin Coordinator
- University of Kentucky, Water Resources Institute
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Required Education: B.S. in Environmental Science or Related Field
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The Kentucky River Basin Coordinator will coordinate all watershed management activities within the Kentucky River Basin, including working with local stakeholders and relevant Kentucky and federal agencies, coordinating the collection of relevant water quality and GIS data sets, and creating and implementing watershed specific management plans.
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Position: Urban Waters Program Coordinator
- Cumberland River Compact
- Location: Nashville, TN
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Required Education: B.S. in urban Forestry, Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a Related Field
- The Program Coordinator for Urban Waters reports to the Division Manager and facilitates the Compact’s work to improve urban water quality and reduce climate impacts. This role supports Urban Waters programming, including Root Nashville and the Compact’s Water Quality Improvement Program. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual seeking to make a positive impact on urban landscapes in the Cumberland River Basin.

Learn More & Apply Here
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Tennessee River Reaches Summer Pool Despite Drought, but High Flows Pose Risks for Boaters | The Tennessee Valley Authority urges boaters to beware of strong currents and debris on the Tennessee River, as heavy rains rapidly ended 2026's drought. | | | Tennessee Budget Earmarks $4 Million to Fix Failing Grasslands Wastewater Sewage System in Williamson Co. | Tennessee's budget sets aside $4M for the deteriorating Grasslands STP in Williamson County to address sewage overflows and health risks. | | | |
Tennessee American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment Grantees | PRNewswire/ -- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest... | | |  
Rural Tennessee Town Puts AI Data Center on Hold as Water and Power Fears Grow | McMinnville has put a proposed AI-related data center on hold after residents warned it could strain local water and electricity resources. | | | | |
Flowing 125 miles through the southern and western portions of Middle Tennessee, the Buffalo River holds the distinction of being the longest unimpounded river in the region. As the largest tributary of the Duck River, its entirely free-flowing nature and scenic beauty make it one of the state's most loved waterways for canoeing, kayaking, and outdoor recreation. The upper portion of the river in Lawrence County is even designated as a "State Scenic River" under the Tennessee Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, highlighting its pristine environmental value and role as a vital economic engine for local communities.
Ecologically, the Buffalo River watershed (HUC 06040004) is remarkably rich, encompassing 1,200 miles of tributary streams that support an abundance of biodiversity. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) identifies 48 rare plant and animal species within the watershed, including 20 aquatic species uniquely adapted to its waters. Among these are three rare species of freshwater mussels, four snail species, and 12 rare varieties of fish—such as the Southern Cavefish, the Saddled Madtom, and eight distinct types of darters, many of which are state or federally protected.
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Tennessee Water Technical Assistance (TNWaterTA) - TNWRRC offers free technical assistance and training to small water and wastewater utilities across Tennessee. TNWaterTA helps small utilities manage their systems more effectively through geographic information systems (GIS), developing asset management plans, and hydraulic modeling.
Visit the TNWaterTA Website
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The Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA) is a statewide network of professionals dedicated to protecting and improving Tennessee’s water quality through effective stormwater management. The association assists local municipalities (MS4s), academic institutions, and industry partners in complying with state and federal clean water regulations. TNSA fosters the exchange of technical knowledge on the design, construction, and maintenance of stormwater facilities and hosts the annual Tennessee Stormwater Conference.
Visit the TNSA Website
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Clean Water Professionals of KY & TN (CWP-KT) CWP-KT is a professional community dedicated to safe and clean water through education, innovation, and advocacy. Members gain access to technical training, professional certifications, and the annual Water Professionals Conference. Through their "Clean Water Movement," they work to elevate the role of water professionals and protect the environment across both states.
Explore CWP-KT Resources
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Currently in development by TNWRRC and its partners, the Tennessee Urban Waters Report Card (UWRC) will provide Tennessee communities with a science-based grading system to track urban stream health. By evaluating hydrology, water quality, and community value, this tool will help local programs prioritize stream rehabilitation and demonstrate the impact of stormwater management to the public.
A website for UWRC is currently under development and should be accessible soon! Stay tuned for updates.
| | | Be sure to follow TNWRRC on Facebook! | | | | |
