TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa is designating three public boat landings on Lake Tuscaloosa as Drinking Water Protection Areas as part of an effort to highlight the lake's role as the community's drinking water source.
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The designations at Rock Quarry, Sharpes and Binion Creek landings coincide with Source Water Protection Week, observed Sept. 27 through Oct. 3 by the American Water Works Association.
City officials said the designation is intended to encourage residents and visitors to view the popular boat landings not only as recreational access points but also as areas connected to the protection of Tuscaloosa's drinking water.
Completed in 1970, Lake Tuscaloosa spans 5,885 acres, holds about 40 billion gallons of water and has 177 miles of shoreline.
In addition to boating, fishing and other recreational uses, the lake serves as a primary drinking water source for the Tuscaloosa area.
The city says it water intake structure sits just downstream from Rock Quarry Landing, where water from the lake enters the city's treatment system.
"Lake Tuscaloosa and its watershed is ours to protect," Watershed Manager Colleen Cook said. "The choices we make on the water and throughout the watershed can directly impact the quality of our drinking water."
The lake's watershed includes the land, creeks and streams that drain into Lake Tuscaloosa. During rainfall, stormwater runoff can carry litter, oil, chemicals and other pollutants from surrounding areas into the lake.
City officials also pointed to recreational activities as a potential concern, particularly large wakes that can contribute to shoreline erosion.
As part of the new designation, the city has installed Drinking Water Protection Area signs and informational boards at each of the three public boat landings.
The boards include a map of Lake Tuscaloosa, information about the watershed and steps visitors can take to help protect the city's water supply while using the lake.
Officials are encouraging visitors to properly dispose of trash, keep oil and chemicals out of the water, comply with wake ballast restrictions and avoid damaging the shoreline.
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