The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be performing tests and possible maintenance on its P-5 water control structure during the next ten days. The structure is the outfall for Lake Henry, which discharges into Lake Hamilton in Polk County.
A routine inspection showed some seepage, indicating the structure may require some repairs. Upcoming tests will determine if any part of the structure needs to be repaired or replaced.
“These testing procedures will help identify any repair or replacement needs,” said Gary Kuhl, District Operations Director. “Based on the information we have now, residents may see lake levels lowered a matter of inches over the next few days to accommodate testing and any necessary repairs.”
In cooperation with the Lakes Region Lake Management District, staff is slowly releasing water from Lake Hamilton to allow space for water from Lake Henry. If it is determined that repairs need to be done, Lake Henry will be lowered to complete the repairs.
This work is consistent with the District’s areas of responsibility for flood protection, water conservation and maintenance of natural wetlands systems.