Rick Carlson’s family has owned Carlson’s Rustic Ridge Supper Club and Lounge on Castle Rock Lake in Adams County for 25 years. The Rustic Ridge is a popular spot on Castle Rock, with up to 500 boats anchored off the beach on the busiest summer days, and a full bar and restaurant at night. But toxic algae blooms, caused by the poor water quality of Castle Rock Lake, are hurting his business.
“I’ve seen kids run out of the car, down to the beach, [see the algae-choked water] stop, and go back to the car.”
Would-be customers stop in their tracks, turn around, and drive away because of the unsightly appearance and stench of algae blooms that smother Carlson’s beach. The blooms are caused by too many nutrients—mainly agricultural phosphorus—entering the river upstream. The impact of this lost business hits Carlson hard.
“In August, when the [algae] blooms are present, my revenues are down 25%. One less boat per weekend is one less table for dinner and drinks.”
Business owners on impaired waterbodies know that nobody wants to be near the choking stench of a blue-green algae bloom, let alone pay hard-earned money to do so. So they simply don’t show up.
“If we had clean water, every business would prosper. It all comes down to taxes. If people aren’t here, they are generating less taxes.”