The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has released as much water out of Lake Tarpon as possible, however storm surge from Hurricane Debby is overtopping the structure and water cannot be released until the storm surge recedes.
The Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal is one of 84 water-control structures throughout the District’s 16-county area. The three-mile canal extends from the south end of Lake Tarpon and empties into Old Tampa Bay. The structure is designed to prevent salt water from entering Lake Tarpon during high tides and protects the lake’s freshwater ecology.
Lake Tarpon rose over 18 inches overnight and is continuing to rise. The storm surge has been higher than the lake since 11 a.m. yesterday and there is no way to release water until the storm surge goes out. The lake also has received over 6.5 inches of rain as well as high flows from Brooker Creek.
District Structure Operations staff have been monitoring water levels and operating all of the agency’s water-control structures around the clock.