LOWA Is Working To Get LOTO Off The Impaired Waterways

With parts of the Lake of the Ozarks recently included on the department of natural resources’ statewide list of “impaired waterways,” efforts continue locally to do something about that.

Playing a major role in the effort is the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance…or LOWA.

LOWA Director Donna Swall says the goal of the group has not changed over 17 years of its existence.

“We decided what should our mission be and it basically is to protect our waters, protect the asset. And keep in mind not only the environmental impacts, but the social and the economic.”

Chlorophyll concerns in parts of Camden County and E-Coli concerns in the Straight Fork area of Morgan County landed the lake area on the DNR’s “impaired waterways” list.

Swall says it could take a year or two to be completely cleared and removed from the list.

More information about the watershed alliance is available on its website http://lowatershed.com.