The Berra's Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Blog

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has implemented a map modernization program over the past several years for Camden County, Miller County, and Morgan County. While Miller and Morgan County have their final maps, Camden County's maps are still preliminary. Camden County's planning and zoning director and flood plain administrator said the original maps that show the base flood elevation around the lake to be 664 feet was based on maps drawn up 26 years ago. With new mapping procedures and techniques, parts of the Lake are showing something different. Areas that are not in controlled flood zones like those around Bagnell Dam have seen elevation levels 5' higher or more. The five foot difference may affect a good number of property owners, especially on the Niangua Arm of the Lake. Buildings that were not technically built in the flood plain on the old map now will now be, and for insurance purposes, that could cost people more money. If you have a lakefront property in Miller or Morgan County, check with them to see if you will be affected. Camden County has hired Great River Engineering out of Springfield, MO to confirm that the research being done by FEMA is accurate, and their final maps are not yet ready. Local surveyors will team up with Great River Engineering to spot check areas that are suspect.

There has been a lot of media press lately on E-coli at the Lake. Here are some facts I obtained from a biologist from the State of Missouri.

E-coli is in all natural bodies of water. It is a bacteria that is found in the feces of "warm blooded" creatures. That would include men, women, children, dogs, cats, ducks, geese, fox, groundhogs, beaver, cows, horses, hogs, deer, bear and many other living species. As you know, many of these "warm blooded" creatures relieve themselves in the great outdoors and many of them can be found in abundance near the Lake of the Ozarks. Let's say that these creatures were frequenting a certain area. After they took care of business, there were several days of heavy rains. Much of this waste matter will end up being washed into the Lake.  Obviously, levels of e-coli would be elevated at these locations. This takes place not just in the Lake of the Ozarks, but Truman Lake, Pomme De Terre Lake, Mark Twain Lake, Kentucky Lake, etc. E-coli bacteria can only survive in the warmest of water and temperatures. Cool weather/water will kill the e-coli. Although you can get sick, there are very few, if any, reported cases of illness from e-coli.  

There is nothing that can be done about e-coli in the lake from nature taking it's course. But proper monitoring of wastewater systems by DNR, and replacement of old septic tanks, can have a positive effect on reducing the amount of e-coli in the Lake.

This is not something new. It is something being publicized.