by: Matt Campbell, President Lake Watch
Appeared in October 2023 issue of Lake Magazine
Lake Watch water quality monitoring on Lake Martin
Thank you, Lake Watch volunteers, for spending your time providing quality water testing across Lake Martin. Results of our bacteriological testing are posted to the Lake Watch Swim Alert webpage at Lakewatch.org, and to the Alabama Water Watch statewide database at auburn.edu/alabamawaterwatch. Our testing this 2023 swim season confirms excellent water quality throughout the area of Lake Martin, as befits our “Treasured Alabama Lake” status.
Testing tributary streams
Bacteriological testing on the Tallapoosa River and tributary streams in the Tallapoosa basin often show E. coli measurements that do not meet the applicable ADEM minimum standards, particularly following rain events. Apparent sources of this pollution include:
- the poultry industry in our watershed
- storm water runoff from cattle pastures, agriculture and forestry
- shortcomings in community wastewater treatment
Camp Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant
In the April 2023 issue of Lake magazine, our Lake Watch article anticipated an important move in overcoming the pollution of Sandy Creek and Lake Martin coming from the Camp Hill community wastewater ponds. Now, with dismay and a heavy heart, we regret to report that the Town of Camp Hill appears to be fumbling this unique opportunity to receive federal dollars for this project. At this time, the number one concern of Lake Watch is that the Camp Hill wastewater ponds should not degenerate further and pose a chronic source of pollution to Sandy Creek and Lake Martin. We implore Camp Hill Mayor Williams-Cole, the Camp Hill Town Council, the Tallapoosa County Commission, ADEM, and Rep. Ed Oliver to please all give your best efforts to save this project. You are the stewards of the clean waters of our community.
“Tallapoosa Clean Water Priority,” a Watershed Management Plan
The good news is that clean water conservation efforts are mounting throughout the Tallapoosa basin, at the universities, ADEM and amongst our government officials. The Alabama Rivers Alliance recently hosted a networking meeting for community groups, watershed stakeholders and state legislators to discuss opportunities to protect and celebrate Alabama’s freshwater resources and promote safe and healthy outdoor recreation in our waters. Special thanks to ARA’s Martha Hunter and Kelly Marshall for this meeting. Lake Watch is grateful to ARA for their excellent program. Visit their website at alabamarivers.org.
Lake Watch advocates a watershed approach to protecting Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa River. Industry, individual citizens, property owners, farmers, foresters, business owners and local government are urged to help develop practices to prevail throughout our entire watershed, and to support measures that will protect and improve our clean water. Get involved in Lake Watch and as a partner in the Tallapoosa Clean Water Priority. Water quality advocacy for our streams is good for Lake Martin. Fishing, kayaking and eco-tourism on the river contribute economic value to our rural economy. The pure recreational value of our river and streams is fundamental to our Alabama heritage and our lifestyle.
To get involved in the Tallapoosa Clean Water Priority or to join Lake Watch as a member, monitor or sponsor, visit the Lake Watch website at lakewatch.org. Above all, get out on the waters of Lake Martin or the Tallapoosa River. It will make your heart happy.
Matt Campbell is president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Inc. Learn more at info@lakewatch.org.
