Lake Huckleberry
Lake Huckleberry is a naturally stained, mucky-bottomed, 'transition' type lake located to the west of the City of Sebring. Water quality in Lake Huckleberry, based on Lakewatch data, is poor and appears to have declined somewhat during the period of record. The lake is the site of frequent water quality complaints that need to be further evaluated and addressed. Phosphorus levels in Lake Huckleberry are extremely high, range from 44 to 271 ppb (parts per billion) and average 159 ppb (a 'typical' transition lake has levels from 30-40 ppb). Nitrogen levels are also somewhat high, ranging from 830 to 1950 ppb and averaging 1246 ppb. Algae levels increase and decrease as nutrient levels increase and decrease and algae populations are measured by the chlorophyll concentration in the water. Chlorophyll in Lake Huckleberry ranges from 9 ppb to a very high 135 ppb, averaging 45 ppb. Noxious algae blooms are becoming increasingly common on this lake, particularly in the canal. The presence of algae decreases water clarity, which is measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water. Secchi depths range from 2 to 4.5 feet, averaging 3 feet. Click here to view water quality data by year.