JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 18, 2021 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program has teamed up with the U.S. Geological Survey to install a state-of-the-art continuous water quality and stream flow monitoring gauge in the creek that feeds Mozingo Lake. The new gauge will measure turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels among other parameters.
For the past few years, the Soil and Water Conservation Program has been working with a broad coalition of partners to identify the causes and possible solutions for the persistent algae problem. A primary drinking water source for the city of Maryville, Mozingo Lake has a history of excessive algae growth and harmful algal blooms. Fueled by excess nutrients entering a body of water, rapid algae growth can negatively impact water quality, threaten aquatic ecosystems and produce toxins that can be harmful to animals and people.
The Mozingo Creek monitoring gauge installation builds upon action taken by the Soil and Water Districts Commission. Last April, the commission allocated $200,000 through its cost-share program to install best management practices, including cover crops and field borders, on the land that drains into Mozingo Lake. These measures are designed to help prevent or control soil erosion and protect the lake’s water quality.
“This new gauge will collect water quality data in 15- to 60-minute intervals for the next three years,” said Jeremy Redden, environmental manager with DNR's Soil and Water Conservation Program. “The data will help to establish a quality baseline for the water coming into Mozingo Lake. As best management practices are implemented on the surrounding farm land, we hope to document the resulting improvements in water quality.”
More information about DNR's Soil and Water Conservation Program and the cost-share program is available at dnr.mo.gov.