The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has posted a Bacteriological and Fishing Advisory List for Tennessee waters.

These creeks within the City of Knoxville have been listed under Bacteriological Advisory: First Creek, Third Creek, Goose Creek, Second Creek, East Fork - Third Creek, and Sinking Creek.

Fort Loudoun Lake is listed under a Fishing Advisory for PCBs.

TDEC, under the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has issued TMDL reports for several creeks within Knoxville with regard to fecal coliform limits. TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Loads) establish the necessary reductions in a specified pollutant ("fecal coliform") for the creek to be suitable for its intended use. See the TMDL webpage for further explanation of how TMDLs affect the City of Knoxville.

Final TMDL reports have been issued for: First Creek, Fourth Creek, Williams Creek, Second Creek, Baker Creek, Third Creek, and Goose Creek.

The current public notification system consists of warning signs placed by KUB as directed by TDEC. These signs were originally placed by KUB several years ago, but have not been adequately maintained and replaced.

New signs are being prepared by the City of Knoxville. According to the upcoming NPDES permit to be issued in April 2003, public notification signs will be the responsibility of the City of Knoxville Engineering Department.