Good News Around The World: Pollution Efforts in Lake Tahoe Have Cut Sediment and Algae Run-off to Preserve the Water's Iconic Clarity...

The Following Article is From The Good News Network...

Pollution control efforts kept over 727,000 pounds of fine sediment out of Lake Tahoe, protecting its water clarity and quality.



Revealed in a new California-Nevada environmental report, the efforts will help preserve the lake’s world-famous cobalt-clear water by harmful reducing algae blooms.

The partnership, called the Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load Program (TMDL Program) is managed by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Founded in 2011, the TMDLP’s ultimate goal is the long-term downtrend of pollutants in the lake, such that by 2031 a visitor can see 78 feet down.

The partnership witnessed a 29% reduction in fine-grained sediment, a 23% reduction in phosphorus runoff, and a 17% reduction in nitrogen runoff in 2024 compared to 2023 levels.

Ironically, visibility in the lake was worse in 2024 compared to 2023, and even 2022, despite the higher levels of clarity-reducing particles. For this reason, Tahoe Daily Tribune reports, TMDLP is focusing on long-term trends rather than year to year variation, as it’s shown to be a poor indicator of particulate levels.

While it’s difficult to know for sure whether one is able to see 78 feet down compared to 62 feet down as was possible last year, the 29 dump trucks it would theoretically take to move all the pollutants that didn’t enter the lake offer a much clearer image as to the partnership’s progress.

“Protecting Lake Tahoe’s iconic clarity requires long-term commitment, collaboration and innovation,” said Jason Kuchnicki, chief of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water Quality Planning.

“These results reflect the strength of the bi-state partnership and the dedication of local agencies implementing proven, science-based strategies to reduce pollution at its source. As we continue adapting to new challenges, this program remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard one of Nevada’s—and the nation’s—most treasured natural resources.”

Local governments and highway authorities on both sides of the lake are required to reduce the amount of clarity-harming contaminants from reaching the lake. Local industry and businesses can receive credits from the TMDLP based on the success of their own, holistically implemented initiatives, rather than by a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach.

This could include, for example, hiring one of Lake Tahoe’s Candela hydrofoil ferryboats for employee commuting, which would reduce the particulate matter from internal combustion engines.