Table Rock marinas serving as pilots for clean water program

Marinas on Table Rock Lake are serving as pilot sites for a water quality initiative spearheaded by the Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition and Ozarks Water Watch.

A voluntary program, the Missouri Clean Marina initiative calls on marina operators and recreational boaters to engage in environmentally friendly practices to reduce pollution, including harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris, from entering bodies of water in the Show-Me State, according to a news release.

Participating marinas include Bass Pro Shops' Long Creek Marina, State Park Marina, Port of Kimberling Marina and Resort, and Bent Hook Marina, according to MoCleanMarina.org.

“This is a win-win for everyone” said Ronna Haxby, Ozarks Water Watch project manager, in the release. “The participating marinas get free promotion and bragging rights, patrons can feel good about doing business at a facility they know is a good steward of our water, with Table Rock Lake being the big winner. "Keeping our lake clean and beautiful is the ultimate goal.”

Officials also are distributing Missouri Clean Water flags to participants to spread the message.