Lake Tarpon

Lake Tarpon SWIM Plan Update 

The Surface Water Improvement and Management, or SWIM, program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies challenges and implements projects to improve water quality and natural systems. The District is currently updating the SWIM plan for Lake Tarpon and the draft plan is below:

Public Workshop

The District is having an in-person public workshop on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium in Tarpon Springs. District staff will present an overview of the draft SWIM plan update and the public will have an opportunity to give comments about the draft SWIM plan.  

For more details about the public workshop, visit the District calendar.  

Submit Public Comments Online

Online comments about the draft Lake Tarpon SWIM Plan update will be accepted through Feb. 28, 2025. Click here to submit your comments for District staff review.  

LakeTarpon

Highlights

  • Lake Tarpon is the largest freshwater lake in the Tampa Bay area
  • 2,534 acres of surface area
  • Designated an Outstanding Florida Water and a Fish Management Area
  • Located in Pinellas County
  • 52-square-mile watershed

Challenges

Three main challenges exist in the Lake Tarpon watershed:

  • Decline in water quality due to highly urbanized watershed inputs
  • Imbalanced fish communities
  • Increased nuisance algal blooms and non-native vegetation
map_laketarpon

Strategies 

Through cooperation with other government agencies, these challenges are met by:

  • Providing stormwater treatment to lake inflows
  • Restoring hydrology and habitat restoration of surrounding wetlands
  • Providing public education on lake and watershed issues

Success Indicators

Successful project implementation is indicated by:

  • Increased submerged plant development
  • Balanced fish communities
  • Expanded coverage of native plants

Future goals are then developed through an adaptive management process, always striving to help restore Florida’s natural ecosystems.