North Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Update - January 2019

North Winter Haven Chain of Lakes – January 2019

Thank you for relaying your interest in receiving information about the North Winter Haven Chain of Lakes in Polk County from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). We plan to provide an update on lake levels several times a year.  

Above Normal Rainfall Causes SWFWMD to Open Water Control Structures

• Overall rainfall in 2018 was about 7 ½ inches above the historical average.
• The region received about 6 ½ inches of rain in December, nearly 4 inches above the historical average for that month.
• December rainfall caused the lakes to rise above their target water conservation levels.
• As a result, the water control structures (P-5, P-6, P-7, P-8) were opened in December to help move this excess water through the system.
• In early January, the structures were closed again to conserve water in the lakes.
• Currently, the lakes are between 1 and 6 inches higher than they were this time last year.

Map of North Winter Haven Chain of Lakes (red arrows indicate water flows)

Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Thank you,

Cindy

 

Cindy C. Rodriguez, CPM

Southwest Florida Water Management District

 (863) 534-1448, ext. 6000

(863) 698-8019 (cell)

Cindy.Rodriguez@WaterMatters.org