ROADS-STORMWATER

Water Quality / NPDES

Lake Information

In Seminole County, Lake Levels can change seasonally and annually.  During periods of below-normal rainfall, lake levels drop, at times becoming so low that boating access becomes limited.  Lake levels may continue to decline for several years, impairing the use of docks and affecting lakeside property owners.  Lake levels generally rebound, at times leading to water levels so high that lakeside property owners may experience too much water.  At this time, the low water levels and exposed lake bottoms that have occurred during our drought conditions are unattractive to many lakefront property owners.  Fluctuating water levels are normal and healthy for our lakes. 

Benefits of the low water levels are:

• Growth of new vegetation on exposed lake bottom and adjacent marshes due to increased seed germination;
• Improved habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms, and improved water quality as a result of increased vegetation growth;
• Improved water quality due to organic nutrient-rich lake sediments compacting and decomposing when exposed to the air.

The Seminole County Stormwater Team monitors over 145 lake gages monthly on County lakes and streams. This data is used:

• To access historical conditions of our lakes.
• To plan new stormwater improvement projects.
• By homeowners who are concerned with water level changes.

For further information, visit our Seminole County Watershed Atlas at www.seminole.wateratlas.org.