Water Quality Division

WQ Priority Watershed Projects

Grand Lake  2004-2008

This project educates and demonstrates to citizens, students, and municipal officials ways to reduce nutrient, sediment, and fecal bacteria pollution flowing from land into nearby streams and Grand Lake.

Background
The Grand Lake basin encompasses portions of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and four counties in northeastern Oklahoma, draining a total area of 10,298 square miles. Three major rivers, the Neosho River, the Spring River, and the Elk River drain into the lake. The lake itself covers 46,500 surface acres.

Water Problems
Grand Lake is impaired by excessive nutrients from confined animal operations, residential fertilizers, and poorly functioning septic systems. Grand Lake and eleven of its tributaries are listed on the Oklahoma 2002 Integrated Report Category V List for pathogens, low dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, sulfate, total dissolved solids, chloride, and unknown causes.

Purpose of Project
The Grand Lake project improves near-lake land uses and water quality by implementing

1) nutrient management projects for lawns and gardens,
2) soil evaluations for septic systems,
3) biofilter raingardens for filtering runoff, and
4) expanded monitoring of lakes and streams.

Partners