Submitted by Marty Proctor, SOUTH LAKE TABLET
The Clermont Chain of lakes has been experiencing lowered lake water levels and improved water clarity. Following is an explanation of these events from Jason Danaher, PhD, Water Resources Director of the Lake County Water Authority (LCWA).
There has been concern that the LCWA is releasing water through their dams thus lowering the lake water levels. Dr. Danaher advises, “we are not releasing water through the dams, other than minimum flow through a small port allowing 4 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water to flow even when the dams are fully closed.” Regarding the current lake levels (as of July 1, 2022) he continued, “that the water level in Lake Minnehaha is currently 95.9 feet or approximately 1.0-inch below the low end of established regulation range level (96.0 feet).” Regarding the longer-term status of the dams and flows he added, “the Cherry Lake dam has been closed since September 22nd of 2021. The Villa City dam has been closed since March 26, 2022.” The Cherry Lake dam is located at the outflow of Cherry Lake and controls the levels of the larger lakes in Clermont. These include Minneola, Minnehaha, Cherry, Susan and Louisa as well as the smaller lakes connected by canals to those lakes. The Villa City dam is located at the outflow of Lake Emma and controls the levels of the smaller lakes near Groveland including Emma and Lucy.
Why are the lake levels falling? The primary sources of water entering the Clermont chain are rainfall and Big and Little Creek which flow into the southern end of Lake Louisa.
The primary source of water is rain. In the month of June 2022, nature only provided about 3.5 inches of rain. This is well below June monthly rainfall average of 7.5 inches. This leaves a significant deficiency since the evaporation rate in central Florida open water (like lakes, marshes) can exceed 7 inches for June.
The secondary water source is in flow from the Green Swamp. Historically Big and Little Creeks combined flow must be over 70 cfs to increase the lake water levels. These creeks are currently flowing at or near zero cfs. They have been running at or near zero the entire month of June. Data at this link.
Why has the water clarity increased, especially in Lake Minneola? The reduction of water flowing in the creeks from the Green Swamp and through cypress-laden Louisa and Susan and the surrounding marshes reduces the suspended tannins in the water. Tannins may create a light yellow or dark brown tint in the water. Also as rain becomes the major source of water, its natural purity and clarity allows light to penetrate further through the water column. This gives the lakes greater clarity. This is an effect of reduced organic materials suspended in the water of the lakes during these drier conditions. The presence or absence of tannins is not related to pollution or contamination of water. The presence of tannins is considered an aesthetic problem but does not pose a health risk.
The LCWA welcomes input from the public. The LCWA can be reached at 352-324-6141 or through their website at lcwa.org. The LCWA Board of Trustees is elected by the voters of Lake County. The LCWA Board holds public meetings the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the BCC Chambers in the Lake County Administration Building, 315 W. Main Street, Tavares. The public is welcome to attend or watch a live broadcast or video recording of those meetings.
Follow the referenced Waterdate link to learn more: WATERDATA
