H2Ozarks helps protect water quality

A recent Learning on Wednesday presentation at the Kimberling Area Library featured Jerry Harman, program director for H₂Ozarks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting water quality in the Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks. Harman’s presentation helped promote the group’s mission of education, encouraging community involvement and impacting public policy to bring about long-term improvements using research-backed strategies and partnerships throughout the Ozarks watershed area, primarily in the Upper White River Basin. 

Different focus areas of H2Ozarks include water quality monitoring, encouraging citizen involvement through training such as how to conduct testing; invasive species management; septic system education and remediation; landowner assistance program applications to help qualifying landowners with costs of needed remediation; and watershed management plans that must be in place in order to apply for grant assistance funds for distribution. H2Ozarks also maintains communication with elected officials and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding policies that impact area landowners and local business, as good water quality is a big economic driver for our area. 

H2Ozarks works primarily in the Upper White River Basin, spanning parts of Missouri and Arkansas and including Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, Bull Shoals Lake, and Beaver Lake, as well as numerous rivers, creeks and streams. All of those can be impacted by people’s decisions, past and present. Harman’s presentation included some horrifying photos of shoreline debris and of problematic septic systems put in place long before current regulations, but also encouraging photos of what can be done, especially when the community gets involved. He also showed county maps, available at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website, that help explain available grant funding for projects. H2Ozarks also partners with Missouri State University for the research and technical side of their work. 

One big opportunity to get involved in keeping Ozarks water clean is by participating in the annual Shoreline Cleanup Day. Can you imagine 2.7 tons of trash and debris needing to be removed? That’s what discarded appliances, at least 30 tires, and over 385 bags of miscellaneous trash can add up to—and it’s what 521 registered volunteers removed in 1,394 hours of their time during the Fall 2025 event, with dedicated sponsors providing incentives and supplies. Check the website and follow the Facebook page for 2026 date and locations. 

Another way to help is by recommending that your local school take advantage of H2Ozarks’ W.A.T.E.R. (Watershed Aid To Educators Resources) program, which provides area K-12 educators with free STEM resources and the loan of an interactive EnviroScape Watershed Table, plus classroom demonstrations by H2Ozarks staff. To arrange for a presentation, visit www.H2Ozarks.org or contact Harman at 417-739-5001. 

Additional resources at the website include information about applying for homeowner assistance. See updates about H2Ozarks activity and photos of recent events by following the Facebook page as well. 

Take advantage of these valuable resources, whether you’re currently experiencing problems, concerned about how to best maintain your septic system and property, or just want to help keep our Ozarks water clean and enjoyable for generations to come!