District to Update Water Control Structure in Citrus County

News Release

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is planning to perform maintenance on the S-353 water control structure located in northern Citrus County on the Tsala Apopka outfall canal, between the northern extent of the Hernando pool of the Tsala Apopka Chain-of-Lakes and the Withlacoochee River.

The work will begin December 21 and will continue through June 1, 2017. During that time, public access to the structure will be limited for safety reasons. As part of this work, a temporary berm will be constructed in the canal upstream of the structure to prevent loss of water from the Hernando pool during the maintenance.

This project will be the first major refurbishment of the aging structure, which was built in 1968. Improvements will include work to increase the life of the structure and reduce future maintenance requirements, including concrete repair, gate refurbishment, electrical upgrades, and site maintenance. The maintenance does not include any activities that would change the size of the structure or its ability to convey water.

The structure's gates are remotely operated to help maintain optimum water levels in the Hernando pool of the Tsala Apopka Chain-of-Lakes. The canal serves as the main outfall for the lake chain during potential flood events.

For additional questions, please call the District at 352-796-7211.