Curve Lake Declines: Could New Housing Development Be to Blame?

Curve Lake, Pasco County, Florida, USA - Curve Lake, once a vibrant playground for swimmers and paddleboarders, has fallen from grace into a murky brown expanse, raising alarm among local residents and officials alike. Jeanna Fine, in her report for ABC Action News, describes the profound transformation of this spring-fed lake, which has seen its water quality decline sharply, a situation exacerbated by a new housing development that has sprouted nearby.

Previously surrounded by orange groves, Curve Lake’s fate took a turn for the worse when vital grasses were removed, stripping the area of its crucial natural buffer. Despite testing from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) indicating that the water is not at toxic levels, officials are cautious, recommending against swimming in the lake.

Contributing Factors

Pasco County officials admit that while the new development could play a role in the lake’s decline, it is far from the sole culprit. They underscore that natural lakes can take decades to reveal signs of stress. As local environments undergo changes, both human activity and nature can conspire to diminish water quality.

To combat this decline, officials advocate for the formation of a lake association to foster community engagement and oversight of Curve Lake’s health. A key resource in this endeavor is Florida LAKEWATCH, a volunteer-based monitoring program under the guidance of the University of Florida, aimed at promoting stewardship of Florida’s lakes, rivers, and springs. Since its establishment in 1986, LAKEWATCH has grown into one of the largest lake monitoring efforts in the country, currently deploying over 1,800 trained citizen scientists across Florida.

Volunteer Opportunities and Benefits

The Florida LAKEWATCH program enlists volunteers for monthly monitoring, encompassing a vast network that includes 525 lakes, 175 estuary stations, 125 river stations, and more. This initiative not only empowers citizens with crucial data about their local waterways but also provides extensive training, free of charge, for those looking to contribute. Volunteers learn to collect and analyze samples, with results sent to a lab in Gainesville for evaluation.

Participants enjoy generous perks, including annual reports on their monitored water bodies, newsletters, and invitations to volunteer appreciation dinners. Engaging with LAKEWATCH allows outdoor enthusiasts to get involved while enjoying activities like fishing or boating, all the while making a real difference in preserving Florida’s delicate aquatic ecosystems.

Looking Ahead

As Curve Lake grapples with these challenges, experts like USF professor Nick Albergo emphasize that ongoing monitoring is crucial for understanding and ultimately improving water quality. Although improvement won’t happen overnight, consistent community involvement and scientific research provide the foundation for restoring Curve Lake to its former glory.

For those inspired to make a difference, joining the LAKEWATCH community could be the first step toward revitalizing Curve Lake while fostering a greater awareness of the complex interplay between nature and human activities. Whether you’re a passionate local or just curious about aquatic health, there’s plenty of good to be done here.