Lake Chilton
Lake Chilton is a small, sandy bottomed 'ridge' type lake located to the northwest of the City of Avon Park. Water quality is fair, based on Lakewatch data, for a lake of this type. Phosphorus levels in Lake Chilton are fair to high for a ridge type lake, ranging from 11 to 49 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 19 ppb. Nitrogen levels are typical for a lake of this type, ranging from 320 to 830 ppb and averaging 540 ppb. Algae levels, as measured by the chlorophyll concentration in the water, increase and decrease as nutrient levels increase and decrease. Chlorophyll levels are low to high, ranging from 4 to 41 ppb and averaging 14 ppb. Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, declines as algae levels increase. Secchi depths in Lake Chilton range from 3 to 10 feet and average 6 feet. Water quality in Lake Chilton shows natural seasonal fluctuations and there does not appear to be any change in water quality since sampling began in 1996. Click here to view water quality data by year.
The boat ramp for Lake Chilton is located on the north side of the lake - however the ramp is "unimproved" and boaters without a 4 wheel drive vehicle may find using the ramp difficult.
Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002
Lakewatch water quality through 1999