The Source August 2021 Issue

August 2021 Issue

Latest Research Sheds Light on Pollutants in Beaver Lake

By James McCarty, PhD
Environmental Quality Manager

Do you ever feel like your clothing is glowing? Perhaps Beaver Water District (BWD) can “shed some light” on the subject for you.

This summer, the Environmental Quality Department at BWD has been getting familiar with optical brighteners. Optical brighteners are a fancy term for synthetic chemicals in laundry detergent. Most name-brand detergents contain them. Optical brighteners enhance the appearance of white and color fabrics in the presence of ultraviolet light.

Message from the CEO

M. Lane Crider P.E., LEED AP

Connected or Disconnected? The Impact of Technology and Innovation

It has been said many times that technology can simplify our lives. I’m still on the fence about that. In fact, I personally believe that many technology advances have complicated our lives, in part, because we are now so “connected.” Alexa and Google seem to always be listening.

Kevan Inboden, P.E., of Jonesboro, will join Beaver Water District on Jan. 3, 2022, as Chief Operating Officer. Inboden comes to BWD from City Water and Light in Jonesboro, where he has spent 29 years, beginning as an Engineer in 1992, serving as Operations Administrator, and currently serving as Special Projects Administrator.

For well over 15 years, thousands of volunteers from northwest Arkansas have stepped up to the table again and again to clean up rivers and streams that flow to the major water supply for our region, which is Beaver Lake.

To ensure everyone’s safety during the coronavirus pandemic, the 16th Annual Secchi Day Science Fair at Beaver Lake will not be held in person this year, said Amy Wilson, Director of Public Affairs for Beaver Water District. Instead, the “event” will take place online, with videos and photos of Environmental and Water Education activities for local citizens and friends around the world to learn from and enjoy.