Lake Tarpon SWIM Plan Update
The Surface Water Improvement and Management, or SWIM, program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies challenges and implements projects to improve water quality and natural systems. The District is currently updating the SWIM plan for Lake Tarpon and the draft plan is below:
Approval Process
The draft Lake Tarpon SWIM plan will be presented March 25,2025, to the District’s Governing Board for approval to send the draft plan to state agencies and local governments within the Lake Tarpon watershed for their review and input. Each agency and local government will have 45 days to review the draft SWIM plan and provide feedback. The final SWIM plan will be scheduled for Governing Board approval after all comments are considered by District staff and the plan is edited as necessary.
Public Feedback
An in-person public workshop was held on February 13, 2025, at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium in Tarpon Springs. District staff gave a presentation, and the public had an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions about the draft plan. Comments were also accepted virtually through the end of February 2025. Each comment was reviewed and considered by District staff for necessary edits.
Highlights
- Lake Tarpon is the largest freshwater lake in the Tampa Bay area
- 2,534 acres of surface area
- Designated an Outstanding Florida Water and a Fish Management Area
- Located in Pinellas County
- 52-square-mile watershed
Challenges
Three main challenges exist in the Lake Tarpon watershed:
- Decline in water quality due to highly urbanized watershed inputs
- Imbalanced fish communities
- Increased nuisance algal blooms and non-native vegetation
Strategies
Through cooperation with other government agencies, these challenges are met by:
- Providing stormwater treatment to lake inflows
- Restoring hydrology and habitat restoration of surrounding wetlands
- Providing public education on lake and watershed issues
Success Indicators
Successful project implementation is indicated by:
- Increased submerged plant development
- Balanced fish communities
- Expanded coverage of native plants
Future goals are then developed through an adaptive management process, always striving to help restore Florida’s natural ecosystems.