District to Hold Workshop on Minimum and Guidance Levels for Lake Aurora in Polk County

News Release

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) invites the public to a workshop on Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Aurora Christian Camp and Retreat Center located at 237 Golden Bough Road east of Lake Wales. The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed minimum and guidance levels for Lake Aurora in Polk County.

The Florida Legislature requires the District to set minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for priority water bodies within the District. A minimum flow or level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment. Minimum flows are established to protect streams and rivers from impacts associated with ground water and surface water withdrawals, while minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands. Minimum flows and levels serve as guidelines for the District's permitting programs and for development of water resource projects.

During the workshop, District staff will present the technical basis for the proposed minimum levels for Lake Aurora. This is also an opportunity for local government, citizens, and others to provide input regarding the proposed minimum and guidance level. Information will be summarized and made available to the District's Governing Board.

Proposed minimum levels for Lake Aurora will be presented at the District's July Governing Board meeting. Governing Board members will choose whether to recommend adoption of the minimum levels into District rules. Governing Board meetings are open to the public, and brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.

A draft report summarizing the proposed minimum levels is available for review and is posted on the District's website at WaterMatters.org/MFLreports. For more information regarding the proposed minimum levels, please contact Mark Hurst at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4271.

Written comments regarding the minimum levels are also welcome. They can be submitted via mail or email to Mark Hurst, Senior Environmental Scientist, Water Resources Bureau, at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or mark.hurst@watermatters.org