Lake Of The Ozarks Homeowners Can Get Money For Septic Pump-Outs & Landscaping To Prevent Erosion

Thanks to an updated management plan, more property owners at Lake of the Ozarks can now protect water quality and benefit from cost-saving programs offered by the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance (LOWA).

In July, Region 7 of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources approved an expansion plan from LOWA, adding four new watersheds to its scope.

“I am so proud because in the begging years when we wrote our first grant, LOWA was one of only three recipients awarded in the state of Missouri,” said LOWA Executive Director Donna Swall. “Because of LOWA’s success at implementing the program over the last 10 years, EPA and DNR both have allowed us to expand and protect a much larger area. Through our programs, we are reducing soil runoff into the Lake, which is the number one pollutant of bodies of water.”

LOWA offers several programs to help property owners reduce soil and wastewater runoff into the Lake of the Ozarks.

Septic Pump Out Program

Septic maintenance is crucial for maintaining water quality. LOWA is providing $100 reimbursement coupons for septic tank pump outs on a first-come, first-served basis.

To receive a coupon, property owners need to have their tank pumped and then email the paid receipt—showing the name, address, date of service, number of gallons pumped, and payment confirmation—to adminasst@lowatershed.org.

Living directly on the Lake is not required, but the property must be within the LOWA watershed project boundaries, which LOWA can help verify. The funds are provided by the Section 319 Program through the Missouri Water Protection Department.

Second Cost Share Program

The LOWA LIL’s cost share program helps reduce harmful water runoff into the Lake of the Ozarks through landscaping techniques like using native plants, terracing, and buffer strips to prevent soil erosion.

LOWA will send a trained evaluator to assess and assist with eligible landscaping projects. The grant covers 40 percent of the first $5,000 of costs, up to a maximum of $2,000.

Property owners may also benefit from the shoreline stabilization program, but participation is limited to one cost-saving program at a time.

LOWA’s programs help protect water quality, property values, and the overall prosperity of the Lake of the Ozarks. All programs are strictly voluntary.

A watershed is an area where runoff from rain and snow drains into a specific body of water. Healthy watersheds provide drinking water, support wildlife, and facilitate irrigation and recreation. The LOWA watershed project spans from the Bagnell Dam to the 42 mm on the Osage River, covering the Gravois Arm, the Indian Creek Arm, and surrounding areas of the Lake of the Ozarks. LOWA's mission is to preserve and improve this watershed through initiatives like water quality monitoring, wastewater education, and low-impact landscaping.

To volunteer or learn more about LOWA’s programs, visit lowatershed.org or call LOWA Executive Director Donna Swall at 573-434-4400.