----VALUE TO THE NATION - FAST FACTS----
Project Name : Rathbun Lake , Iowa USACE District : Kansas City District USACE Division : Northwestern
FAQ : Blue-green algae
What are blue-green algae ? Blue-green algae are a group of photosynthetic Bacteria , known as Cyanobacteria , that are often found in nutrient-enriched lakes , ponds , and slow moving streams . Blue-green algae can reproduce quickly ( known as a “ bloom ”) and can turn the lake surface green , seemingly overnight . Blue green algae should not be confused with true algae . True algae are a vital part of the lake food chain by serving as the primary food for zooplankton which in turn are preyed upon by fish .
Blue-green algae , on the other hand , are not typically consumed by zooplankton and therefore often have a negative role in the lake food chain .
What causes blue-green algae blooms ? Although algae blooms usually occur in late spring and summer , the conditions in which blooms occur are complex and difficult to predict . In general , excess nutrients , warm water , and sufficient water clarity are necessary to trigger a bloom .
Do blue-green algae pose health risks or other problems ? Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can cause illness in people and animals . Because toxins are not always produced , the only way to be sure if toxins are present is to analyze water samples . Water samples
USACE 2023 LAKE REPORT - RATHBUN LAKE , IOWA
are collected on Corps reservoirs during blue-green algae blooms and tested for toxin . If significant toxin levels are detected , appropriate actions are taken . Because blooms can appear quickly and often only in portions of a lake , the best approach to avoid potential health risks is to avoid areas with a blue-green scum-layer or water that looks like pea soup . Instead , try to find areas clear of blue-green algae until the bloom is gone .
Other concerns associated with blue-green algae include taste and odor problems in drinking water and dissolved oxygen depletions during algae die-off .
How can blue-green algae blooms be prevented ? The severity and regularity of algae blooms can be reduced by reducing nutrient inputs to the lake . Because nutrients ( i . e . nitrogen and phosphorous ) come from a variety of sources , this requires an organized approach involving everyone in the watershed . Reducing erosion , fixing leaking septic systems , planting buffer strips , and applying fertilizer wisely are some of the ways to begin addressing nutrient inputs .
If you have additional questions regarding blue-green algae or other reservoir water quality concerns please contact the water quality program coordinator at 816-389-2381 .
State : Iowa Watershed : Chariton
Natural and recreational resources at USACE lake projects provide social , economic and environmental benefits for all Americans . The Rathbun Lake impoundment , part of the Chariton watershed , went operational in 1970 , and has a storage capacity of 939,940 acre-feet . The original cost of the project was $ 27,033,210 . In 2023 , the lake had 12 permanent staff , 2 summer hires and 34 Volunteers who helped manage the lake and it ' s natural and recreational resources .
The following information highlights some of the benefits related to USACE ' s role in managing natural and recreational resources in Rathbun Lake , Iowa .
SOCIAL BENEFITS
POOL ELEVATIONS FACILITIES IN FY 2023
• Top of dam = 946.0
• 558,709 total visitors
• Spillway = 926.0
• 183,443 campers / overnight visitors
• Pool of record = 927.1 ( 1993 )
• 48,689 walkers / hikers / joggers
• Multipurpose pool = 904.0
• 5,397 boaters
• 12 recreation areas
• 602 camping sites
• 3 swimming areas
• 21 trail miles
• 11 boat ramps
----------------------- ECONOMIC BENEFITS
ECONOMIC DATA IN FY 2023
• $ 27,342,961 in visitor spending within 30 miles of Rathbun Lake
• 269 jobs within 30 miles of Rathbun Lake
• $ 11,454,601 in value added within 30 miles of Rathbun Lake
• $ 6,244,005 in National Economic Developmental Benefits
FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
• $ 165,229,000 in flood damages prevented through 2022
• Impacted downstream communities :
• Rathbun , Iowa
• Centerville , Iowa
• Novinger , Missouri
• Elmer , Missouri
BENEFITS IN PERSPECTIVE USACE lakes provide opportunities for active recreation , which helps to combat on of the nation ' s most significant health problems : lack of physical activity .
Recreational programs and activities at USACE lakes also help strengthen family ties and friendships . USACE lakes provide opportunities to children to develop personal skills , social values and self-esteem . USACE lakes also provide education to increase water safety .
WATER SERVICES
• 1 active water supply agreement
• ~ 2.5 billion gallons used in 2022 o This translates to about ~ 1-foot of water over one-year from the lake .
RESOURCES IN FY 2023
• 22,896 land acres
• 11,013 water acres
• 155 shoreline miles
BENEFITS IN PERSPECTIVE USACE lakes provide visitors with an understanding and awareness of environmental issues , fostering a sense of connection and sensitivity to the environment .
Rathbun Lake 2024 11