Des Moines Public Library:

Press release from the Des Moines County Government:

June 7, 2021

Big Hollow Lake suffers from excess nutrient loading, specifically phosphorous, resulting in large algae blooms and increased pH. The algae and pH have been excessive enough to affect the recreational uses of the lake at times to the degree that it was listed as an "impaired" water body in the state of Iowa. This listing resulted in a number of partner agencies coming together to secure funding for an extensive planning process, the result of which will make the lake eligible for various state and federal dollars to implement conservation practices throughout the lake's 4,400 acre watershed. 

The Big Hollow Water Quality Symposium is being held to inform stakeholders about the water quality issues, update the public on the planning process, and receive public input regarding the plan and future watershed improvements. An online survey is also available through Des Moines County Conservation's website to gather stakeholder input. 

For more information regarding Big Hollow's watershed project, to RSVP to the Symposium, or to fill out the stakeholder survey, visit www.DMCconservation.com. 

This press release was produced by the Des Moines County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.