Clearwater Lake, on the border of Renolds and Wayne Counties in Missouri formed when Clearwater Dam was built
Clearwater Lake is a large reservoir in Missouri on the Black River near the town of Piedmont. The water is fed by springs that keep it clear and fresh, and the earthen and concrete dam was completed in 1948, rising over 100 feet tall.
The lake was built to control and prevent flooding in the region. Construction began in the 1940s but was paused during World War II before completion in 1948.
The lake takes its name from the clarity of its water, a quality noticed long before the dam was built. Today it remains part of the local landscape and reflects how people and nature coexist in the region.
The lake is fairly easy to reach, with signs along nearby roads and parking areas near the main recreation spots. It is wise to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a good location.
The water is fed by underground springs that keep it so clear that visitors notice the transparency when walking beside the shore or swimming. This clarity is what gave the lake its name and sets it apart from other reservoirs in the area.
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