Celebrating a Legacy of Lake Stewardship
On September 11, SMLA and Ferrum College celebrated 40 years of the Water Quality Monitoring program. The two organizations work together to protect the water quality of Smith Mountain Lake.
During the celebration event, several people were recognized for their contributions including Tom Hardy, SMLA Water Quality Monitoring Program chair. His is pictured above receiving an appreciation award from Ferrum College program director Dr. Delia Heck.
For decades, Ferrum College scientists, students and volunteers have partnered with SMLA volunteers in a shared mission of science, stewardship and community dedication to keep the lake clean, clear and healthy for generations to come.
Ferrum College launched the program in 1985 to study the impact of shoreline development on lake health. By 1986, it had evolved into the comprehensive, science-based initiative it is today, supported by faculty, lab managers, student technicians and local volunteers.
Funding for the program comes from Appalachian Power Company, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Bedford Water, and Western Virginia Water Authority, as well as annual SMLA membership fees. Volunteers from SMLA collect samples from 84 sites across the lake from mid-May through early August. Water quality data is shared with the public throughout the season on the SMLA website.
Early Efforts
In the 1980s, Ferrum College was developing its environmental science program as Smith Mountain Lake faced increasing pressure from rapid growth. Funding from the Virginia Environmental Endowment allowed the college to assess how development was affecting water quality.
At the same time, SMLA President Jim Morse launched a volunteer effort to collect water clarity readings from 45 sites. In 1987, SMLA and Ferrum combined their work into a unified Water Quality Monitoring Program.
Today, the program includes 28 basic sites where volunteers measure water clarity and 56 advanced sites where volunteers collect samples to be tested for phosphorus and chlorophyll.
In 1991, the Commonwealth of Virginia began providing funding to supplement SMLA’s contributions, and in 2003 Appalachian Power joined as a major supporter, helping ensure the program’s continued success.
Growing Science and Community Support
In 2005, Ferrum’s laboratory began earning state certification to test for bacteria, chlorophyll and phosphorus, with results uploaded to the Virginia DEQ’s Citizen Science database. The program has grown to include more than 50 volunteers who collect water samples every other week during the summer using their own boats and fuel.
Ferrum expanded the program to include testing for bacteria such as E. coli and fecal coliforms, as well as sampling for plankton, which can indicate potential harmful algal blooms. The college also monitors phosphorus levels at 20 tributaries around the lake.
In 2023, Ferrum College upgraded to a modern pontoon research vessel funded by the American Electric Power Foundation, providing more room for equipment and scientists.
Looking Ahead
New technology continues to enhance the water quality program’s capabilities. In 2024, Ferrum added an ELISA reader—a laboratory instrument that detects and measures specific substances through chemical reactions—to detect cyanotoxins, the substances produced by cyanobacteria that can cause harmful blooms. The college is pursuing additional state certification for this work.
Since 1985, more than 110 student technicians have gained hands-on experience through the program, many going on to careers in environmental science. One graduate, Nick Sink, now works with Appalachian Power supporting Smith Mountain Lake programs and credits his Ferrum training for his success.
The celebration is not complete without recognizing Ferrum College’s Dr. Carolyn Thomas who developed, managed and ran and the program for decades. Dr. Thomas’ passionate commitment to the Ferrum students and Smith Mountain Lake still shines in the program today.
We encourage you to celebrate by joining, donating or volunteering to ensure the continued protection of Smith Mountain Lake’s waters for generations to come.
