Cape Fair Marina

[Quillback]

I wonder what kind of impact major flooding like this has on water composition. In other words are nutrients from the soil and debris good for the lake? Bad? Of no consequence?

The lakes biologist here in Bella Vista claims that the nutrients are good for the fish population for the lakes here. As far as a big system like Table Rock, I would still think so, but I don't know if the comparison holds true.

[Flysmallie]

I wonder what kind of impact major flooding like this has on water composition. In other words are nutrients from the soil and debris good for the lake? Bad? Of no consequence?

I would think that it would depend on where that water came from. With the James bringing a lot of water in from Springfield I would guess that it would be as good as water coming in from an area that isn't as populated. Just the oil and grease from the roads in Springfield alone have to be bad.

[Terrierman]

I wonder what kind of impact major flooding like this has on water composition. In other words are nutrients from the soil and debris good for the lake? Bad? Of no consequence?

That depends on what you call good vs. bad. Table Rock is very clear which indicates very good water quality. The clear water is a result of low nutrient levels limiting the amount of algae that can grow, and algae is the base of the aquatic food chain, everything on up ultimately depends on algae for food directly or indirectly. Adding nutrients will increase the amount of algae that can grow, which will ultimately increase the amount of fish the lake can produce. Of course, that's up to a point, there is definitely such a thing as water that is too nutrient rich for good fishing and good aesthetics. Table Rock's clear water is what draws a lot of people to the area. A lot of people are working very hard and spending a lot of money to keep the nutrient levels in Table Rock at or lower than where they are now. Phosphorus is the biggie. Flood waters also temporarily cause a major increase in the bacterial content of the lake water. That is definitely not good but that problem is pretty will self limiting as time, temperature, oxygen and sunlight fairly quickly naturally reduce the bacteria content back to normal. Does that help?

[abkeenan]

That depends on what you call good vs. bad. Table Rock is very clear which indicates very good water quality. The clear water is a result of low nutrient levels limiting the amount of algae that can grow, and algae is the base of the aquatic food chain, everything on up ultimately depends on algae for food directly or indirectly. Adding nutrients will increase the amount of algae that can grow, which will ultimately increase the amount of fish the lake can produce. Of course, that's up to a point, there is definitely such a thing as water that is too nutrient rich for good fishing and good aesthetics. Table Rock's clear water is what draws a lot of people to the area. A lot of people are working very hard and spending a lot of money to keep the nutrient levels in Table Rock at or lower than where they are now. Phosphorus is the biggie. Flood waters also temporarily cause a major increase in the bacterial content of the lake water. That is definitely not good but that problem is pretty will self limiting as time, temperature, oxygen and sunlight fairly quickly naturally reduce the bacteria content back to normal. Does that help?

Perfect. Makes sense.

[Browning Guy]

That depends on what you call good vs. bad. Table Rock is very clear which indicates very good water quality. The clear water is a result of low nutrient levels limiting the amount of algae that can grow, and algae is the base of the aquatic food chain, everything on up ultimately depends on algae for food directly or indirectly. Adding nutrients will increase the amount of algae that can grow, which will ultimately increase the amount of fish the lake can produce. Of course, that's up to a point, there is definitely such a thing as water that is too nutrient rich for good fishing and good aesthetics. Table Rock's clear water is what draws a lot of people to the area. A lot of people are working very hard and spending a lot of money to keep the nutrient levels in Table Rock at or lower than where they are now. Phosphorus is the biggie. Flood waters also temporarily cause a major increase in the bacterial content of the lake water. That is definitely not good but that problem is pretty will self limiting as time, temperature, oxygen and sunlight fairly quickly naturally reduce the bacteria content back to normal. Does that help?

The James from Buttermilk up to Wooley was as nasty green (prior to this last flood) as I've seen it in a long time. To the point I won't let my kids swim at the dock. Right now, it's almost chocolate milk. Some big floaters making their way to Piney right now. Still seeing wake board/tuna rigs (not as many this past week).

[Jozark]

Wow! My parents have a house around the corner from Cape Fair, and my dad told me it was high and would have to do a lot of clean up. I didn't think it was that bad! Thanks for the pic.

[SplitG2]

Surprised someone wasn't plowing through it with a wake boat.

Likely because there are no bass boats in there to draw them in....

[WettinLine]

I was on the water at Cape Fair Friday, I put in at point 15 and ran up Flat to the Dry Cheek, and up to Blunks with no issues. I don't suggest that the glittery boats make either of those runs, but the aluminum boats will have no issues, flip up the puck, and hammer down!

[littlejasper]

Browning-- aren't you supposed to be working??? We don't pay you to stay on the internet all day!!!

[Pepe]

I would think that it would depend on where that water came from. With the James bringing a lot of water in from Springfield I would guess that it would be as good as water coming in from an area that isn't as populated. Just the oil and grease from the roads in Springfield alone have to be bad.

A few years ago I was involved in a project with City of Springfield waste water treatment department and a large engineering firm from Kansas City. The money to provide treatment of wastewater during heavy rain is not forthcoming from taxpayers who, understandably, do not want to pay higher taxes.

While some capacity was ultimately added at the SW treatment plant it is the proverbial thumb in a crumbling dike. When the system is overwhelmed the storm water AND the black water are dumped, untreated, into tributaries of the James River.