Limnological characteristics of the main channel and nearshore areas of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Abstract

Lake of the Ozarks is a large main stream reservoir located in the Ozark Plateau of west central Missouri. The reservoir attracts an extensive tourist population and, thus, a great deal of recreational development surrounds the lake. The main purpose of this study was to determine if this development affects the water quality of the nearshore waters as measured by trophic status and fecal coliform concentrations. Twenty-nine coves representing a range of development from no development to intensive development and located in the Grandglaize-Turkey Bend region of the lake were selected for study. The results of the study revealed that nearshore waters had more eutrophic characteristics as development of the adjacent watershed increased. Although differences in trophic status were small, they were consistent. Similar comparisions of fecal coliform data showed large increases in concentrations (up to 50 times) with increases in development. Fecal coliform concentrations were also found to be related to population of the lake area as measured indirectly by road use data. Fecal coliform concentrations were observed to increase dramatically during weekends and holidays when the tourist population was also higher. This study has shown that current sewage treatment methods are not totally effective in the removal of nutrients and pathogenic organisms. If current trends in increased development continue, alternative methods of sewage treatment must be implemented if further degradation of the nearshore waters is to be avoided. Additionally, collection of fecal coliform samples for purposes of water quality monitoring may need to be scheduled during weekends or holidays in order to protect the large number of people using the lake area during these periods.