July 21, 2023

The City of Orlando has LIFTED the Lake Alert for Lake of the Woods.

July 18, 2023

City of Orlando - LAKE ALERT for Lake of the Woods

To address citizen concerns related to water quality, the Streets and Stormwater Division has developed a public information system, "Lake Alert," to provide seasonal and localized warnings for City of Orlando lakes. An announcement has been provided below regarding the lake(s) where water quality has been a concern.

• Type of water quality concern: Possible elevated E. coli counts due to a sanitary sewer overflow
• Location: Near intersection of W Gore Street and Lucerne Terrace
• City Response: On July 17, 2023, a private commercial property experienced a mechanical issue with their private lift station, causing sanitary waste to enter their onsite stormwater system. Due to the proximity of the stormwater pond to the lake, approximately 300 gallons of sanitary waste may have entered Lake of the Woods. A private contractor was hired to repair the lift station and clean the impacted areas.

The City has issued the Lake Alert as a precaution. The City is advising that all water contact activities associated with Lake of the Woods cease until further notice, including irrigation. City Stormwater personnel will collect water samples on a routine basis. Once E. coli counts are acceptable State Water Quality Standards, the Lake Alert Hotline number and the City's Lake Alert website will be updated.

Please continue to call the Lake Alert number, 407.246.2220, for the most up-to-date information regarding your lake.

For further information regarding the sewer discharge, please contact Chancey Springstead, Water Reclamation Compliance Program Manager, at chancey.springstead@orlando.gov. For water quality questions, please contact Lisa Lotti, Stormwater Compliance Program Manager, at lisa.lotti@orlando.gov.