SMLA Water Quality Testing Shows a Healthy Lake
Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) water quality monitoring volunteers completed the third of six bi-weekly water sampling sessions this season. The results continue to be very positive.
A team of 50 SMLA volunteers take water clarity readings every two weeks at 84 locations on the lake and collect water samples from 56 locations. The water samples are analyzed by Ferrum College to determine the concentration of chlorophyll-a (an indication of algae growth) and phosphorus (a nutrient that can stimulate excess algae growth). The results of the sampling are posted on the SMLA website.
“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 subsequent monitoring sessions, 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.
Weather plays a role in affecting the quality of the water. Periods of heavy rain can wash excess nutrients into the lake from the many tributaries in the surrounding watershed and from runoff flowing off properties along the shoreline. These nutrients can stimulate increased algae growth which reduces water clarity and increases the potential for algal blooms.
Homeowners can play an important role in mitigating adverse impacts by following several steps to stem the flow of nutrients into the lake.
- Avoid the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus
- Maintain a shoreline buffer of plants or trees instead of grass that runs all the way to the edge of the water
- Don’t blow leaves and other debris into the lake.
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.
Phillip Green, the newest SMLA Water Quality Monitoring program volunteer, takes a six foot deep water sample.
