Beaver Lake And Its Watershed 2010

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

History of Beaver Lake Development 6 Project Authorization 6 Dam Construction & Water Storage 6 Public Water Suppliers 6 Time Line of Drinking Water Development 7

Beaver Lake Watershed Characteristics 8 Physiography 8 Geology 8 Soils 10 Climate 12 Population 14 Landuse 16

Beaver Lake As A Resource 18 Authorization and Allocation of Water Storage 18 Authority to Reallocate 18 Hydropower Generation 20 Flood Control 21 Recreation 22 Public Water Supply 24

Water Quality Concerns and Streams Listed as Impaired 26

Water Quality Monitoring 27

Subwatersheds 28 Beaver Lake-White River 28 Headwaters-White River 30 Lake Sequoyah-White River 32 Middle Fork-White River 34 Richland Creek 36 38 West Fork-White River 40

Beaver Lake and Its Watershed: Who’s Doing What 42

The following individuals and institutions provided photography used in this publication: Randy Paris, Cheryl Barton, Clifton Eoff, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History and Beaver Water District

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A Letter To Readers of Beaver Lake and its Watershed From Alan D. Fortenberry, P.E., CEO, Beaver Water District

Northwest has an ample supply of fresh, clean water in Beaver Lake. The value of this resource cannot be overstated. While many areas of the country are struggling to provide enough water to residents and industries and entering into legal battles over water rights, we enjoy abundance. But what would happen if the water wasn’t there? Isn’t it interesting how many of us take water for granted, water that is necessary for human life and health, water that fuels economic prosperity and defines quality of life in the ?

While it’s true that Beaver Lake is an outstanding resource, we cannot expect it to stay that way if we are not proactive. Beaver Lake and Its Watershed focuses on fundamental facts about the watershed and how the lake is a reflection of activities that occur in the watershed. We want you, the stakeholder, to understand how the quality of the water in the is dependent upon what is being done in its tributary area, by you, by me, by the industry or business where you work, by your government, by you the property owner.

Beaver Lake’s watershed is rapidly changing. Economic forecasters predict that more than 800,000 people will populate Benton and Washington counties by the year 2025, and as many as 1.2 million people will be living in by 2050. With growth comes increased pressure on the watershed and the lake. Forests are cleared to make way for devel- opment. Roads are built to accommodate new subdivisions. More waste water is produced. Storm water runoff increases, as does nonpoint source pollution. The good news is that if we use land in the watershed wisely, we will enjoy Beaver Lake and its blessings for generations to come. But if we’re careless, the quality of the water will suffer and become degraded. Please take the opportunity to review this report and learn about your watershed. You, the stake- holder, can play a part in taking care of Beaver Lake and its watershed. We invite you to help us maintain this resource for our children and grandchildren for years to come. 3

Introduction Beaver Lake is the most upstream reservoir in a series of three U.S. Army Corps of Engi- neers on the White River in Arkansas and Missouri (Figure 1). The White River headwaters originate in the south-southeast of Fayetteville, Arkansas, flow generally north into Beaver Lake and discharge from Beaver Dam into the backwaters of Table Rock Lake. Discharge from Table Rock Lake flows into Lake Taneycomo,