Lake Gibson
Polk County Water Atlas Information for Lake Gibson
Overview of Lake Gibson
Lake Gibson has an average depth of 2.0 m (6.6 ft), with a surface area of 1,982.96 sq. km (489.06 acres). Lake Gibson serves a drainage basin area of 10,137.38 sq. km (2,502.11 acres).
Some facts about Lake Gibson:
Lake Gibson is a colored (tannic acid) lake receiving drainage from the southern reaches of the Green Swamp.
Lake Gibson has the highest water quality of City of Lakeland lakes, however ongoing development within the watershed may impact lake conservation.
Mayflies, which require excellent water quality for survival, emerge from the lake in the spring, and can be observed on buildings and lights near the lake.
There is a county park and boat ramp on southeast shore of the lake. Recreational activities include fishing and boating.
Click here for a bathymetric map of Lake Gibson
Current Projects for Lake Gibson
Lake Gibson SW Outfall Project
Lake Gibson, a natural lake located in north Lakeland, is considered to be one of the healthiest lakes in the City, with its excellent water quality and well-balanced faunal assemblage. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in development activities, particularly the areas in the southwest part of the watershed. Land use in this 230-acre basin is mixed. A regional mall, highway widening, commercial development, and hotel and apartment construction have all occurred in recent years in this area. Surface runoff through the basin is channeled into a highly modified ditch / stream that runs from the upper reaches of the basin in the southwest to the discharge point at the lake. The
extensive development of land has greatly increased the peak runoff rates and volumes, and reduced base flow. This has resulted in erosion of the stream channel with the deposition of eroded sediments in Lake Gibson. A large sediment delta has formed at the mouth of the stream. Stormwater runoff quality is poor, and was documented recently during a small rainfall event.
The planned project will include an ecological and engineering analysis of the stream and the contributing watershed, characterization of the hydrology of the basin, modeling of the drainage system; estimation of pollutant loadings to Lake Gibson from this basin, and development of a conceptual plan to address and alleviate problems the water quality, erosion, and flooding potential problems that have been identified by the City. The analysis will include stormwater runoff monitoring, flow monitoring, and surveys of the existing baseline conditions. The conceptual design will incorporate enhancement of existing treatment systems and will examine the feasibility of providing additional treatment wetlands in the basin.
|
|
