The latest round of water samples raised no questions about the water quality. In fact, there was nothing but good news, according to Scott Robinett of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 
According to DNR, the most recent round of testing at Lake of the Ozarks found all 55 samples had only low levels of E. coli bacteria. There was nothing that raised any red flags.  
The test samples, the third of six monthly samplings scheduled for the Lake of the Ozarks, were taken July 7 at sites between the Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge and the 30-mile maker.
So far this year, more than 150 water samples have been taken between the bridge and near Linn Creek Cove. Of those, eight have contained elevated levels of E.coli. Three were found in the first round of tests and five in the second sampling.
The testing program is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, AmerenUE and the Department of Natural Resources.
When complete, the program will have included coves from Bagnell to Truman dams. AmerenUE is providing $15,000 a year for the testing.
The testing is a proactive measure to monitor the water quality. By testing various locations in coves, the resource agencies say they will be able to get an indication if there are isolated trouble spots where there may be elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
Although DNR’s Division of State Parks operates two public beaches at Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Public Beach No. 1 and the Grand Glaize Beach, those sites are not part of the water testing program.
DNR samples water weekly at both beaches and posts warnings if warranted to ensure a safe public swimming area. Neither beach is on a cove being tested as part of this year’s larger monitoring project, said Lorisa Smith of DNR.
While the larger project is to assess the overall condition of Lake of the Ozarks, the weekly sampling of the state park beaches is a separate effort to determine the week-to-week suitability for swimming at those specific beaches, she said. 
Contact this reporter at joycem@lakesunleader.com