Lake Charlotte
Lake Charlotte is a mucky-bottomed, 'transition' type lake located to the southwest of the City of Sebring. Water quality in Lake Charlotte is fair and appears to have declined somewhat since 1995, based on Lakewatch data. Phosphorus levels in Lake Charlotte range from moderate to very high for a lake of this type, ranging from 58 to 146 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 100 ppb. Nitrogen levels are low to moderate for a lake of this type ranging from 230 to 970 ppb and averaging 565 ppb. Algae populations, as measured by the chlorophyll concentration in the water, are generally low as a result of the low nitrogen levels in spite of high levels of phosphorus. Chlorophyll ranges from a very low 2 ppb to a moderately high 50 ppb during algae 'blooms' and averages 11 ppb. Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, ranges from fair (during algae blooms) to very good (when nitrogen levels are low). Secchi depths range from 1.5 to 8 feet and average 3 feet, which is still fairly good for a lake of this type. In the long term, nitrogen levels in the lake increased dramatically during the El Nino of 1998. As of late 2003, phosphorus concentrations were rising and water clarity had declined. Transition lakes are naturally stained by tannins in the water and are not expected to be as clear as sandy-bottomed ridge type lakes. Click here to view water quality data by year.