Lake Denton
Lake Denton is a very deep (51 feet), sandy-bottomed 'ridge' type lake located near the City of Avon Park. This lake is very popular for divers because of good water clarity and the depth of the lake. Water quality in Lake Denton is threatened by some negligent use of this public access lake as well as by VERY high nitrogen levels, probably derived from homeowners and/or agriculture. Water clarity remains good in this lake due to low phosphorous levels and clarity will dramatically decline if phosphorus is allowed to enter the lake. Phosphorus levels range from only 1 to 6 ppb (parts per billion) and average only 3.6 ppb. However, nitrogen levels are extremely high, ranging from 1470 to 3880 ppb and averaging 2650 ppb. Algae levels, as measured by the chlorophyll concentration in the water, are very low due to low phosphorus levels. Chlorophyll concentrations range from only 1 to 4 ppb and average only 1.8 ppb. As a result of low algae levels, water clarity id very high, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water. Secchi depths range from 15 to 30 feet, averaging 22 feet, making Lake Denton among the clearest lakes in the county. Nitrogen levels appear to have declined somewhat since sampling began in 1996, though they remain excessively high and steps should be taken to ensure that additional nutrient inputs to this lake are minimized. Also, lake users need to be considerate of this fragile lake and take care to leave no trace of their presence. Click here to view water quality data by year.
The boat ramp for Lake Denton is located on the northeast side of the lake off of Lake Denton Road.
Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002
Lakewatch water quality data through 1999