The rivers, lakes and streams in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas establish a foundation for the region's economic prosperity and attractive lifestyle.Branson is blessed with many quiet Ozark streams which empty into Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. 

Our lake waters are some of the cleanest and clearest in the Ozarks.  Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing and boating here.  As with many water bodies nationwide, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) have had an impact on water clarity and quality.   Through the efforts of local water quality organizations, state and local entities, our lakes are actually cleaner and clearer than they were a decade ago.

Beginning in January of 2013, the City of Branson will begin operating under a Missouri Department of Natural Resources MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) stormwater permit.  This permit will help address the stormwater runoff from developed areas and will result in improved water quality for everyone.  2012 will be dedicated to creating the written plan to address these six stormwater areas, called stormwater  “Minimum Control Measures (MCM)”:

MCM 1:  Public Education & Outreach

MCM 2:  Public Participation & Involvement

MCM 3: Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

MCM 4: Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

MCM 5: Post-Construction Stormwater Runoff Control

MCM 6: Good Housekeeping in Municipal Operations

The written stormwater management plan will be submitted to DNR in December of 2012.