The Trophic State Index (TSI) measures the biological productivity of a lake. It takes into account nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients required by plant life, and chlorophyll, which is a measure of algae abundance. Lakes with TSI values greater than 70 typically are “eutrophic”, with an oversupply of nutrients and degraded water quality.

Although naturally present in all surface waters, excessive nutrients – nitrogen and phosphorus – are a nationwide water quality problem. They can cause overgrowth of plants that deplete the oxygen in the water needed by aquatic creatures to survive. Learn more about nutrient chemistry »

Water clarity or turbidity measurements show the degree to which light is blocked by suspended particles such as sediment or algae. In a healthy aquatic system, sunlight is able to penetrate the water column and is available for photosynthetic plants and the creatures that depend on them. Learn more about water clarity »

Bacterial indicators for recreational waters include Fecal Coliform, Total Coliform, and Enterococcus (including E. coli). While indicator organisms themselves are not necessarily pathogenic, their presence suggests possible contamination which may result in human illness. Sources of this contamination include stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, and feces from wild and domestic animals. Learn more about bacteria »

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is one of the most important indicators of water quality. It is essential for a healthy, productive biological system and vital to the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms. Learn more about dissolved oxygen »

This waterbody has insufficient data according to the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) implementation of the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR). The FDEP evaluates whether waters meet their designated uses, which include aquatic life use support, primary contact and recreation use support, fish and shellfish consumption use support, and drinking water use support. Learn more about IWR Assessment »

Florida also has mercury impairment statewide, its largest source being atmospheric deposition from local and global power generation. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection have identified over 400 waterbodies, most freshwater lakes and rivers but also some coastal/marine areas, that are impaired due to mercury found in fish tissue. Florida Fish Consumption Advisories, updated annually by the DOH, provide guidance on how to limit mercury exposure from these waters.