City News

Tuscaloosa, AL – The American Water Works Association recognizes September 27 – October 3, 2026, as Source Water Protection Week to raise awareness about the importance of caring for our drinking water sources. The City of Tuscaloosa will recognize Source Water Protection Week by designating Rock Quarry, Sharpes and Binion Creek public boat landings on Lake Tuscaloosa as Drinking Water Protection Areas, to encourage citizens to view these spaces as more than recreational access points.

Completed in 1970, Lake Tuscaloosa holds 40 billion gallons of water and spans 5,885 acres. In addition to providing opportunities for boating, fishing and other outdoor recreation, the lake supplies drinking water to the Tuscaloosa community. Just downstream from Rock Quarry Landing sits the City’s intake structure, where water from Lake Tuscaloosa is transported through the water treatment system. 

“Lake Tuscaloosa and its watershed is ours to protect,” said Watershed Manager Colleen Cook. “The choices we make on the water and throughout the watershed can directly impact the quality of our drinking water.”

Lake Tuscaloosa has 177 miles of shoreline. Its watershed includes the land, creeks and streams that drain into the lake. When it rains, stormwater can carry litter, oil, chemicals and other pollutants from surrounding land into the water. Recreational activity can also affect the lake, including large wakes that can contribute to shoreline erosion. 

As part of the new designation, Drinking Water Protection Area signs and information boards have been installed at each public boat landing. The boards feature a map of Lake Tuscaloosa, information about the watershed and simple ways visitors can help protect the lake while enjoying it.

Residents and visitors can help protect the lake by properly disposing of trash, preventing oil and chemicals from entering the water, following wake ballast restrictions and respecting the shoreline.

For more information call (205) 248-5660 or visit Tuscaloosa.com.