Evaluation of chemical, biological, and physical conditions in the Winter Haven chain of lakes, Florida, March-June 1976

Reconnaissance of water-quality conditions of 14 interconnected navigable lakes, in and around Winter Haven, Fla., revealed that in March and May, 1976 most were eutrophic, on the basis of high nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) concentrations. Lakes Lulu and Shipp were the most enriched as a result of surface runoff from residential, agricultural, and highly urbanized areas, and many years of municipal and industrial waste effluent input. Phytoplankton counts were greater than a million cells per milliliter in some lakes sampled; algal blooms have ocurred, and water clarity was low. The level of Lake Howard fell to the lowest stage recorded in 31 years during May 1976. The record low was likely due to rainfall deficiency. Leakage of water through the lake beds to the ground-water system is also possible, but determination of the escaping water volume would require additional study. (Woodard-USGS)