Don’t dump those leaves in the lake.

Each year local resource agencies, county governments, and members of the press receive reports from homeowners all around the lake about their neighbors blowing leaves into the water.

“Why is it such a big deal? Leaves fall into the water.” - homeowner, Lake of the Ozarks.

Leaves naturally drop into the lake each autumn. However, most leaves only move 2-4 feet from where they fall. When a single homeowner (or commercial property owner) concentrates hundreds of leaves and deposits them in the lake, this has a negative effect on water quality. Leaves deposited in this manner cover the surface of the water, blocking sunlight needed for aquatic organisms. When the leaves eventually sink to the bottom of the lake, they start to decompose. Bacteria use oxygen when breaking down the leaves and produce a rotten egg smell. Leaf litter adds both nitrogen and phosphorus to the water. These nutrients feed algae in the spring and reduce water clarity. If the leaf layer is deep enough, sediment can get caught in the material, reducing the depth of the water under docks and in the backs of coves.

Burning leaves below the eroded bank can also cause damage to aquatic systems. Burning leaves produces ash, phosphorus and carbon residues. As these residues are washed into the lake, it can cause temporary anoxic conditions harmful to fish and aquatic insects.

Ameren prohibits shoreline residents from disposing of leaves and other organic material in the lake; or burning leaves below the eroded bank. Proper disposal of leaves includes mulching and

DRAFT – Wording for Leaf Litter at Lake of the Ozark - Brochure

composting, removal by a landscape professional, or burning above the eroded bank after notice/permitting from the proper fire district.

The financial prosperity of the lake community and your shoreline property values are contingent on the water quality of the Lake of the Ozarks. Together we can protect our beautiful lake and maintain our tourism and fishery for many generations. You can do your part by keeping your accumulated leaves out of the lake.

DRAFT – Wording for Leaf Litter at Lake of the Ozark - Brochure