Lake Jackson
Lake Jackson is a large, deep, sandy-bottomed 'ridge' type lake bordered on the west by US 27 and is entirely surrounded by the City of Sebring. Water quality in Lake Jackson is currently good based on Lakewatch data, but development and urban pressures in the watershed threaten the long term health of this lake. Phosphorus levels range from a low 7 ppb to a relatively high 47 ppb (parts per billion), averaging 17 ppb. Nitrogen levels are low and always well within the expected range for a ridge type lake, ranging from 210 to 790 ppb and averaging only 407 ppb. Algae levels, as measured by the concentration of chlorophyll in the water, are also quite low as a result of low nutrient levels. Chlorophyll ranges from 1 to 24 ppb and averages only 6 ppb. Water clarity, as measure by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, is generally very good in Lake Jackson. Secchi depths range from 4 to 16.5 feet and average 8.5 feet. Water quality in Lake Jackson may become degraded in the future if external pressures around the lake are not monitored and controlled. There does appear to be a long term decline in water clarity since Lakewatch sampling began in 1995, though this trend is uncertain at this time. Click here to view water quality data by year.
The public boat ramp on Lake Jackson is located on the northwest side of the lake off of Lakeview Drive at Veteran's Beach Park. Public swim beaches are located at Veteran's Beach, Hidden Beach located where Lakeview Drive and Sten-E-Wah-Hee Street intersect. There is another beach at the City Pier on the East side of the lake next to the public library. Crescent Beach is located on the southeast corner of the lake off of Crescent Drive, though there is no pubic parking at this beach.
Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002
The primary threats to water quality are stormwater runoff and fertilizer and pesticide applications to home lawns around the lake (there is very little agricultural land use in the Lake Jackson watershed.) Stormwater runs into lake Jackson with almost no treatment from much of the City of Sebring on the east side of the lake. Stormwater from US 27 is treated prior to entering the lake, though even treated water will contain some nutrients and heavy metals and oils and greases typical of stormwater runoff. A cooperative study between the County, City of Sebring and the Southwest Florida Water Management District to determine where stormwater is coming from, how bad the water quality is, and methods to treat stormwater prior to entering the lake. The average citizen should be aware that many storm drains (on many lakes, streams, rivers, etc.) lead directly to water bodies without treatment before entering the water body. Trash, used oil, yard waste and recreational vehicle waste should NEVER be dumped into storm drains, even when treatment is available.
Lakewatch water quality data through 1999