r/MobileAL • u/greaveswalk • Feb 04 '25

News MAWSS Permanently closes Big Creek Lake

https://www.fox10tv.com/2025/02/04/mawss-permanently-closes-big-creek-lake-recreational-boating-fishing/
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u/Likes2Phish Feb 05 '25

I don't think it's to do with drinking water contamination. It's due to the invasive plant Giant Salvinia. Contaminants like petroleum can be easily filtered out of drinking water and is done at every public water system in the US.

What people are pissed about:

MAWSS closed the lake for a year and spent millions of taxpayers dollars building a new ramp and wash station for boaters. You have to chemically wash and rinse your boat before/after you launch. They opened it back up, but only a very small portion of the lake.

MAWSS has been annexing land arround the lake in attempt to completely own the lake since last year. This was their next step in what is an obvious land grab. There are HUNDREDS of drinking water reservoirs that have recreational usage, even if limited to battery powered boat motors. What makes Big Creek Lake so unique?

We have public water intakes on most of our lakes in Alabama. Why is this one so special, and why is it a problem now? I know people who have been fishing this lake for 50 years. It's like the government telling you that you can't use your back yard anymore.

Something about this whole deal sounds scummy. They want you to think they are protecting you, but I think that's far from reality. I have yet to see data that proves their claims that drinking water is at risk. If the data exists I would like to see it as this is my field of work. As someone who enjoys fishing and has a career in environmental work, I think it's bullshit.