LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland is known for its beautiful lakes, but the water quality has degraded in some of the most popular lakes and now the state is mandating these lakes get cleaned up.
“I think it is really peaceful out here. I definitely get in my little Zen when I come around,” said Madison Masters. “That's usually why I don’t wear headphones because I love the sound of the water.”
However, the water quality has significantly declined.
Lake Hollingsworth is one of nine Lakeland lakes that have reached the maximum level of pollutants allowed by state and federal law. This includes high levels of nutrients and stormwater, which lead to a reduction in water quality.
“A lot of people don’t realize that every time it rains, whatever is in the street, or on your lawn, or in a parking lot, gets picked up by the stormwater and enters our stormwater system, and that typically discharges into a lake with no treatment whatsoever,” said Laurie Smith, City of Lakeland Lakes and Stormwater Manager.
Smith said the Lakes and Stormwater Division is now working to reduce harmful pollutants from entering lakes by developing stormwater treatment facilities and other projects.
“Looking at things like restoring wetlands influences around the lakes. Wetlands are natural nutrient absorbents and as you urbanize and people build around the lakes, you lose those wetlands,” said Smith.
An overabundance of nutrients in water causes algae blooms which limit the oxygen available for fish to breathe and can wreak havoc on the entire ecosystem.
Smith said the challenge is finding a cost-effective way to address the issue, even though the City has received some grant funding from the state.
“We need to raise that money somehow, and unfortunately, that comes through our stormwater utility. We'll do our best not to have to raise fees on taxpayers,” said Smith.
The City of Lakeland is working closely with Polk County and the Fish and Wildlife Commission. They meet quarterly to go over plans for treating lakes.
