Smith Mountain Lake Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Celebrates Thirty-Six Years

The Smith Mountain Lake Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (SMLWQMP), administered by scientists from Ferrum College in collaboration with the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), celebrated its thirty-sixth anniversary last year. Initiated in 1987, the program has functioned each year to monitor the water quality in Smith Mountain Lake and to encourage active participation of the lake community in protecting this resource.

Each summer, Ferrum College faculty, students, and SMLA representatives and volunteers monitor the lake water for nutrients, bacteria, and algal blooms. Stakeholders and local health departments use collected data to inform the community of any concerns.

Ferrum College Professor of Environmental Science and Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program Director Delia Heck has been an integral part of the program for 17 years. “The SMLWQMP is an excellent example of the synergy possible between academia, citizen scientists, government agencies, industry, and regional advocacy groups to ensure the viability of our water resources. This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of Appalachian Power Company, Bedford County Regional Water Authority, Smith Mountain Lake Association, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Western Virginia Water Authority.”