Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Alliance
Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), in partnership with the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC), Tri-County Lakes Administration Commission (TLAC), and Ferrum College, formed the Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Alliance (SMLWQA) to protect the water of Smith Mountain Lake.
While Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have become more prevalent in U.S. lakes over the past few decades, SML has been touted as one of the cleanest lakes in the eastern half of the United States and, until recently, free of HABs.
The alliance also includes residents, businesses, professionals, and county and state agencies. The goal of the working group is to educate and advise residents and visitors on:
- Steps being taken to better understand and characterize our watershed
- Best practices for keeping Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe
- Improving the process of sample collection and testing for potential HABs and reducing the time it takes to receive results
- Administratively segmenting SML into smaller geographical segments to focus in on HAB locations
- The history of HABs on Smith Mountain Lake
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 an all-volunteer organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs that keep SML clean and safe.
About SMLRCC
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce mission is dedicated to promoting tourism and growing business for its members and the community.
About TLAC
The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) serves as the administrative department for the counties that surround Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake; Bedford, Campbell, Franklin, and Pittsylvania. The Commission manages lake planning duties as assigned by the respective Boards of Supervisors. TLAC also works in coordination with area residents, businesses, local and federal organizations, on various community programs and projects.