TOPICS: Smith Mountain Lake Water clarity Testing results Rain impact Environmental scientists Local economy Algae increase Water quality

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WSET) — Volunteers are once again testing the water quality at Smith Mountain Lake.

They began in May and have just released the first results.

The report found the water clarity isn't as great as historical averages, due to heavy rain at the beginning of May.

The samples collected are given to environmental scientists at Ferrum College.

They look for water clarity, chlorophyll, and phosphorus.

When it rains, additional sediment and nutrients are washed into the lake from area watersheds.

EARLIER: Smith Mountain Lake water quality monitoring enters 39th year

Tom Hardy, who leads the program, said the repo

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