Happy Fall and All Things October

October 2021

Message From

Executive Director,

Cath Stepp

Since 2001, Ozarks Water Watch has worked endlessly to inform and inspire our community about the importance of clean waters. To improve our reach, further our mission, and connect to more influencers we are excited to announce our new name change from Ozarks Water Watch to H₂Ozarks.

The new branding will enhance our mission, improve public perception, encourage our community to form a better connection to the water resources around them. In the coming months, we hope that you join us in sharing the news, continue following, and help H₂Ozarks keep our waters swimmable, fishable, and drinkable for generations to come.

What you put down your drains can influence how your system functions, so good septic maintenance begins at the sink!

Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain! Even though these products are marketed as solutions, it is better to use boiling water or a drain snake. One should never pour oils or grease down the drain. Never pour chemicals, paints, solvents, or toxic cleaners down the drain. Eliminate or limit the use of your garbage disposal.

If you have been putting items down your drain that perhaps should not be in your septic tank, then have the tank pumped! Most septic professionals will let you know the condition of your tank. Remember to watch for the signs of failure, and if there are problems, the sooner you address them, the better for the environment, public health, and your pocketbook!

If you suspect your septic system is failing, we have resources that may be able to help with the cost of repair or replacement! To learn more about our Septic Remediation Program Click Here.

Watch this short video for some guidance: Think At The Sink!

We had an amazing turn-out and active participation from our wonderful volunteers and sponsors for the 21^st annual Shoreline Cleanup. This year we held the annual event on two separate weekends to allow our participants the flexibility to help clean up Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals.

We had over 550 volunteers helping out each weekend to ensure our lakes stay beautiful. Thank you again for all our helpers, sponsors, and passionate volunteers. We love our lakes, and you do too!

StreamSmart Citizen-Scientists

Get their Feet Wet to Collect Valuable Water Quality Data

Volunteer citizen-scientists monitored water quality across 14 stream sites in the beautiful Beaver Lake Watershed, generating 450 chemistry results for the year, bringing us up to over 4,000 chemistry results over the course of the StreamSmart program!

Volunteers collect a plethora of information during their site visits, including water samples, temperature, site observations, and macroinvertebrates. All this information is important to assess the status of these streams and rivers, and data are being used by professional stakeholders and interested citizens to evaluate water quality.

Thanks to our program partners. The Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. We will soon begin measuring dissolved oxygen (DO) at each of our stream sites. The level of DO in waters can impact fish and other aquatic life and is an important water-quality indicator.

Unfortunately, some rivers in the Beaver Lake Watershed have been added to the State’s list of impaired waterbodies for DO. With this additional data collection, we will be able to monitor changes in DO across our sites. For More information about StreamSmart, or how to become a volunteer Citizen-Scientist, visit our website.

Source Water Protection Week

Did you know that the lakes, rivers, streams, and aquifers surrounding us in the Ozarks make up our drinking water sources? These source waters can be threatened by potential contaminants, such as hazardous chemicals, stormwater runoff, waste disposal sites, and underground storage tanks. The Missouri Source Water Protection Program is designed to ensure Missouri's drinking water is safe, not just at the tap, but at its source. It's up to all of us to help protect our most valued resource.

Click Here for tips to protect our water source.

Beaver Watershed Alliance Tour

The Beaver Watershed Alliance’s Education Committee had a tour of Beaver Lake last week.

Northwest Arkansas Residents, how much do you know about your drinking water supply?

Check out the video about Beaver Lake

Making a Difference in the Ozarks

Arkansas Septic Remediation Program in Full Swing

An Arkansas homeowner has a straight pipe situation that Ozarks Water Watch will help to remediate that is a short distance from Beaver Lake.

The situation is that the wastewater is surfacing downhill on the property from the home. Actually, the entire property runs downhill. While our Program Manager, Shelly Smith was there talking with the homeowner and taking pictures of the project, the homeowner’s pup was drinking from the cesspool.

This particular homeowner also had teary eyes when Shelly told him he was receiving a 90% grant. “Bless you good people” was what he kept repeating…

If you suspect your septic system is failing, we have resources that may be able to help with the cost of repair or replacement.

If you are having an issue with your septic system and would like to talk with the Program Manager, or you may complete the form HERE.

Time To Grow Native

Did you know the best time to plant trees and perennials is in autumn? Trees planted in the fall have the advantage of utilizing their energy in root growth instead of growing foliage. Root establishment and growth is a key factor that sets apart native plants from non-natives.

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks will be hosting the Missouri Prairie Foundation fall sale with Grow Native, Ozark Soul Native Plants, and Gaylena's Garden on October 2nd, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Watershed Center, located at 2400 E Valley Watermill Road in Springfield, Missouri.

For any questions, please contact: Christy Wilder, Watershed Natives Manager

christy@watershedcommittee.org