Lake Byrd
Lake Byrd is a small sandy bottomed ridge type lake located near US 27 north of Avon Park. Based on Lakewatch data, water quality in Lake Byrd is very good except for nitrogen levels, which are extremely high. Phosphorus levels are very low, ranging from 2 to 9 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 5 ppb. Nitrogen levels in a lake of this type are expected to from from 400-800 ppb, but in Lake Byrd nitrogen actually ranges from 910 to 4950 ppb and averages 3159 ppb. This excess nitrogen probably comes from inorganic fertilizer applied to the lawns of homes surrounding the lake and/or from citrus groves located in the lake's watershed. Algae populations, as measured by the chlorophyll concentration in the water, are very low due to the very low levels of phosphorus - ranging from only 1 to 3 ppb and averaging 1.4 ppb. Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, is quite high as a result of low algae levels, ranging from 11 to 28 feet and averaging 17 feet. There appears to be a small decline in water clarity since sampling began in 1996. Overall water quality will deteriorate very quickly if phosphorus is allowed to enter the lake - large algae blooms and 'pea soup' conditions can be expected with the addition of phosphorus. Click here to view water quality data by year.