The University of California Davis and TRPA(tahoe regional planning agency) announced their clarity report of '14/'15 and there's good news. As measured, the visibility index stands at 77.3', an almost 13' increase, year over year. In the longest clarity study anywhere, since 1968, the water of Lake Tahoe is improving significantly. Scientists and environmentalists attribute the improvement to lakeshore sediment control practices that have been installed over the last several years. Considerable federal funds have been spent in the effort to control runoff of sediments and pollutants into the lake. Consider just the efforts around the West Shore. For the past few summer building cycles, roadside drainage collectors have been placed alongside Highway 89. Catch basins on the lakeside are collecting highway runoff before particulates can reach the lake waters. This improves all aspects of the water clarity by maintaining a more natural (less man made) flow of runoff.
True, there has been less runoff over the past 4 winters, but that is only part of the equation. Lower rates of traffic flow have also been a factor. While good news, lower numbers of visitors will affect the local quality of life and force planning departments to alter long term strategies for growth.
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