SMLA Water Quality Testing Shows a Healthy Lake
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) water quality monitoring volunteers have completed two water sampling sessions this season and the results are positive.
“While the first week of monitoring results were unfavorably impacted by several heavy rain events in the early part of May, all three sampling parameters improved substantially in the second bi-weekly monitoring session, putting them on par with the 20-year averages. This is an indication that the health of the lake continues to be excellent,” reports Tom Hardy, SMLA Water Quality Monitoring chair.
The water quality sampling is done by a team of about 50 SMLA volunteers. Sampling and analysis of all collected samples is done by a team at Ferrum College.
The sampling sessions will continue every two weeks during the summer season. Water clarity readings are taken at 84 sites on the lake and water samples are collected at 56 sites.
The water samples are analyzed for the concentration of chlorophyll-a (an indication of algae growth) and phosphorus (a nutrient that may stimulate excess algae growth). These measurements provide important information about the health of the lake.
The results of the sampling are posted on the SMLA website at https://smlassociation.org/water-quality-monitoring/. Graphs compare the results of the current year with the average of the past 20 years. New this year is the ability to view results for each of eight segments of the lake as well as for the lake as a whole.
The program is in need of volunteers to collect samples in the upper arm of the Roanoke River, near Bay Roc Marina and Hardy Ford Bridge. Anyone interested in joining the SMLA water quality monitoring effort should contact Tom Hardy at wqm@smlassociation.org.
About SMLA
The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) mission is to keep Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe. Established in 1969, 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), volunteer-led organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs that protect SML.
SMLA volunteer John Rupnik measures water clarity using a Secchi disk.
