The Lake Sun just published an article addressing the water quality at Lake of the Ozarks. What follows is from that article.
"The Missouri Department of Natural Resources December 2009 Water Quality Report indicates that the overall water quality of the Lake is generally good and fairly typical of most Midwestern reservoirs. Monitoring performed by MDNR and others previous to this particular sampling event also demonstrates that overall quality of the Lake of the Ozarks is typically good. In 2009, relatively elevated levels of bacteria were observed during isolated events that were apparently affected by wet weather, a condition that is typical of runoff influenced water quality conditions throughout the state."
Randy Crawford 1/27/10, Senior Water Quality Scientist, Geosyntec Consultants
9 Things You Need to Know:
Lake of the Ozarks is the most tested lake in Missouri. Its overall water quality is very good and is considered to be one of the best places in the country to fish and play in.
In the past 3 years, there have been no confirmed cases of sickness from E. Coli bacteria due to swimming in the Lake of the Ozarks.
All lakes contain levels of E. Coli. There are usually wildlife, farms and humans that exist around a lake. As a result, E. Coli - at some level- will always be present in every body of water.
There are hundreds of E. Coli strains, most of which are relatively harmless; some are even beneficial to humans. However, some (though rare) can cause illness.
It's never wise to drink water from any lake (and it doesn't taste good anyway).
As it is with many lakes around the country, E. Coli levels are influenced by heavy rainfall. At the Lake of teh Ozarks, if the levels are high enough around our two public beaches - those beaches will be closed.
Around Memorial Day Weekend 2009, some samples from the lake were taken that showed high E. Coli levels. These samples were taken immediately after a period of heavy rainfall.
In accordance to EPA standards (as stated in a Missouri Department of Natural Resources report), test results in the months following Memorial Day Weekend 2009 revealed that the lake was clean and healty.
The Lake of the Ozarks is healthy and safe. We are taking proactive steps to ensure the future environmental health of the Lake of the Ozarks continues.
For more information about the lake and how you can help keep it healthy, please visit www.LakeWaterQuality.org "