News Releases

LAKE OZARK, Mo. (Oct. 21, 2024) – The leaves are falling, and it may seem easy to rake them right into the water – but that can create a number of issues for aquatic life as well as humans and pets living along the shore.

Why does it matter if people dump leaves in the Lake?

• Higher risk of health hazards: Decaying leaf litter can cause algae blooms that are toxic to fish, pets and humans.
• Disrupts the ecosystem: Leaves not only block sunlight needed by fish, microbes and other aquatic life – they also use up oxygen they need to survive.
• Emits unpleasant smells: Decomposing leaves can produce a rotten egg smell in and around the water.

“There are a number of ecological issues caused by a high volume of leaf litter, so we recommend customers living lakeside use different options for leaf removal,” said Greg Stoner, environmental specialist at Ameren Missouri. “Think of the Lake as your neighbor: you wouldn’t blow leaves into your neighbor’s yard, would you? Consider extending that same courtesy to the Lake.”

How else can I dispose of leaves?

• Bag leaves and have them hauled away.
• Compost leaves, along with yard clippings and food scraps.
• Burn them – but take precautions and get approval from your local fire department beforehand.

To find out more about leaf removal, vegetation management and other Lake news and information, visit AmerenMissouri.com/Lake.

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.