Report Shows Excellent SML Water Quality
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The latest SMLA Water Quality Monitoring Program report shows positive findings for the health of the lake water.
The most recent data collected show that the overall health of the lake is excellent. Three key metrics measured through the water quality monitoring program are phosphorus concentration, chlorophyll-a concentration, and water clarity.
“Smith Mountain Lake is known as the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains for its pristine water,” said SMLA Water Quality Monitoring Program Chair Tom Hardy. “The work done by our volunteers is essential for protecting the lake for today and for future generations.”
The just-released 2024 annual report was prepared by scientists at Ferrum College. It is available for download from the SMLA website, smlassociation.org.
A team of 53 citizen volunteers participate in the SMLA Water Quality Monitoring Program. They donate their time, boats and gas to venture out on the lake every two weeks in the summer to collect water samples and take water clarity readings.
Their efforts have provided 1,176 data points each year for the past 38 years. SMLA collaborates with a team of scientists at Ferrum College who analyze the water samples collected by the volunteers and take some additional measurements.
Phosphorus Levels Decline
In 2024, the level of phosphorus was 8% lower than the 20-year average. Too much phosphorus in the lake can result in excess algae growth. After hitting an all-time high in 1999, phosphorus levels have been steadily decreasing.
Limited Algae Growth Indicated by Chlorophyll-a Levels
Algae growth is measured by sampling the concentration of chlorophyll-a. Data for 2024 shows one of the lowest years for chlorophyll-a in the past 20 years.
Lake Water Is Clearer
The average water clarity in 2024 was about 5% clearer than the 20-year average. Water clarity is a measure of the concentration of small particles floating in the water, which includes suspended dirt, silt, and algae.
About SMLA
The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) mission is to keep Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe. SMLA is the longest serving advocate for the SML community. Activities help to retain the pristine beauty of Smith Mountain Lake and the vibrant local economy. SMLA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). It is a volunteer led organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs that keep SML clean and safe.
