SML water quality reported to be ‘excellent' by Monitoring Program
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WFXR) – The Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program has reported on its findings of the lake water health.
Data shows the overall health of the lake is 'excellent' after monitoring phosphorus concentration, chlorophyll-a concentration, and water clarity.
'Smith Mountain Lake is known as the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains for its pristine water,' said SMLA Water Quality Monitoring Program Chair Tom Hardy. 'The work done by our volunteers is essential for protecting the lake for today and for future generations.'
Baby giants now swimming in Smith Mountain Lake and other Virginia lakes
A team of 53 volunteers participated in the SMLA Water Quality Monitoring Program by donating their time, boats, and gas to head out on the water every two weeks over the summer to collect water samples. These samples helped retrieve water clarity readings.
A total of 1,176 data points were collected each year for the past 38 years along with collaborating with scientists from Ferrum College who analyzed the samples and additional measurements.
Phosphorus levels have declined in 2024 by 8% lower than the 20-year average. Having too much phosphorus can cause a large algae growth. The highest measures of phosphorus levels reached were in 1999.
Take a break at Smith Mountain Lake
This data also showed that the concentration of chlorophyll-a was the lowest in the past 20 years.
The lake water is also 5% clearer than the 20-year average and is measured by small particles in the water like dirt, silt, and algae.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hawaiian, Alaska Airlines celebrate blood donors
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines employees participated in a blood drive at the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters in Honolulu on June 12 in honor of World Blood Donor Day. The recently-merged airlines hope to raise awareness for the need for safe blood and blood products, as well as to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their gifts that can ultimately save lives. PHOTOS: Waikiki Beach in the late 1940s, early 1950s The blood drive event is also in support of Vinton Smith, who is a longtime blood donor whose goal was to donate blood in all 50 states. Alaska Airlines provided Smith and his family with travel to Hawaiʻi, so he may donate in the last state on his list. Last summer, the airline flew Smith to Anchorage, where he donated in his 49th state. In addition to helping Smith with his travel accommodations, Alaska Airlines donated $10,000 to the Blood Bank of Alaska. For those looking to help save lives, visit the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi's website to find nearby donation opportunities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Space research plane to be stationed in Oklahoma
BURNS FLAT, Okla. (KFOR) – A high-flying, rocket-powered, remote-piloted plane is making its way to Oklahoma in a couple of years, and it's all set to be used for space research. 'This is a game changer,' Executive Director of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority Craig J. Smith said. LOCAL NEWS: Developer proposes converting half-empty OKC office towers into apartments Beautiful views from the final frontier, and the plane bringing the image to your screen is soon to be stationed in Oklahoma. 'This partnership of Dawn Aerospace will establish Oklahoma as leading the future in space access in the United States,' Smith said. It's 'The Aurora' from Dawn Aerospace, a company based in New Zealand. They're partnering with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority to deliver it to Burns Flat, where the state air and space port is. Only 10 states across the country have ports like that. 'We were the very first spaceport located inland in a landlocked state. So ours is designed for horizontal takeoffs and landings,' Smith said. It's rocket-powered, remote-piloted, and rapidly reusable. In only 4 hours, it's ready to fly again, which sets it up to be the first aircraft to reach something called the Karman line, the boundary of Earth's atmosphere and space, 62 miles high, twice in a day. 'Literally no vehicle that's ever been designed that can do this,' founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace Stefan Powell said. LOCAL NEWS: Kevin Durant's former OKC townhome up for sale, listing price $35 It's main use is for microgravity research. They do that for things that are hard to study on earth due to gravity's influence. Applied to several fields, it can lead to big discoveries, whether that be drugs for cancer research or even technology like chips in your phone. 'That has just huge implications for how fast we can use space to improve our lives,' Powell said. 'You know, it makes science go faster.' A Dawn Aerospace team will be hired in Oklahoma and trained in New Zealand to operate the plane back in the Sooner State. They plan to provide parts and maintenance to keep it going. The plane is expected to be delivered in 2027, with a flight taking place that same year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
New Book Addresses Mental Health Crisis Among Men with Honest, Practical Approach
"Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard On Yourself" Offers Real Solutions for Modern Masculine Challenges VANCOUVER, BC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Author James R.C. Smith releases his groundbreaking new book, "Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself," addressing the largely overlooked mental health crisis affecting millions of men worldwide. Available now on Amazon, this 86-page fillable journal and handbook offers a no-nonsense approach to male mental wellness that breaks through traditional barriers and outdated expectations. The Silent Struggle The statistics are sobering: nearly one in three men experience moderate to high anxiety, and one in five face depression, yet men remain the demographic least likely to seek help or discuss their mental health openly. Smith's book directly confronts this crisis, offering practical tools and honest insights for men exhausted by society's impossible standards. "We've been handed an outdated manual that tells us never to show weakness, figure it out ourselves, and just 'man up,'" says Smith. "But how's that working out for us? The strongest thing you can do as a man is ask for help. Just because you CAN do it alone doesn't mean you SHOULD." A Different Kind of Self-Help Unlike traditional self-help books that promise transformation into a "zen master," Smith's approach is refreshingly realistic. The book acknowledges the unique challenges modern men face—from remote work pressures to digital parenting demands, constant connectivity, and the impossible expectation to be both traditionally masculine and emotionally available. The handbook includes: Research-backed strategies that fit into busy lifestyles Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques presented in accessible language Permission-giving exercises for imperfection in work, parenting, and relationships Practical guidance on asking for help without feeling like a failure Honest reflection exercises from someone who's "been there" Breaking the Stigma "Your mental health isn't a luxury—it's essential," Smith emphasizes. "And taking care of it isn't soft—it's as crucial as changing your oil, eating your veggies, or getting enough sleep." The book's direct, unfiltered tone resonates with men who are tired of being told to suppress their struggles while simultaneously being expected to be emotionally available. Smith's approach combines vulnerability with practicality, offering tools that actually work for real men living real lives. About the Author James R.C. Smith brings personal experience and research-backed insights to the conversation about men's mental health. Writing from the perspective of someone who has faced the same challenges as his readers, Smith offers authentic guidance rather than distant expertise. Availability "Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself" is available now on Amazon in hardcover format. The book features 86 pages of practical content designed for busy men who need real solutions, not empty promises. Book Details: Title: Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard On Yourself Author: James R.C. Smith Publisher: IngramSpark Publication Date: June 6, 2025 Format: Hardcover, 86 pages ISBN-13: 978-1069562708 Available: Amazon and other major retailers Amazon Link: SOURCE SocialDad View original content to download multimedia: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
