Lake Josephine
Lake Josephine is a mucky-bottomed, shallow (7-9 feet), naturally stained 'transition' type lake located to the west of US 27 several miles south of the City of Sebring. Lake Josephine is actually 3 lakes connected by natural channels at the south end of each basin. Water quality is different in each basin since they are mostly separated from each other and have different influences acting upon them. Each basin is therefore described separately below. Please see the Josephine current projects page for more information about events on this lake.
East Basin Water Quality
Based on Lakewatch data, water quality in the east basin of Lake Josephine is fair to good for a lake of this type and is generally better than in the other two basins. Phosphorus levels range from 21 to 139 ppb (parts per billion) and average only 48 ppb. Nitrogen levels are within expected ranges for a transition type lake, ranging from 620 to 1510 ppb and averaging 968 ppb. Algae levels, as measured by the concentration of chlorophyll in the water, range from low when nutrient levels are at average levels to high when nutrient levels increase periodically. Chlorophyll concentrations range from a very low 12 ppb to a very high 110 ppb, averaging 35 ppb - highest levels are reached during periodic algae 'blooms,' which have become a problem on this lake. Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, is fair to good in the east basin. Secchi depths range from 1 to 5 feet and average 2.5 feet, which is typical of a transition type lake. Water quality parameters fluctuate seasonally, as expected, and there does not appear to be any obvious changes in water quality since Lakewatch sampling began in 1995 - though there may have been changes compared to water quality prior to the hydrologic modifications that occurred on this lake. Over the long term, it is suspected that channelization of the inflow stream may have resulted in increased nutrient loading. Click here to view water quality data by year.
Central Basin Water Quality
Based on Lakewatch data, water quality in the center basin of Lake Josephine is fair and nutrient levels are higher than in the east basin. Phosphorus levels range from a typical 28 ppb to a very high 168 ppb, averaging a somewhat high 65 ppb. Nitrogen levels are within the expected range for a transition type lake, ranging from 460 to 1370 ppb and averaging 972 ppb. Algae populations, as measured by the concentration of chlorophyll in the water, are low to moderate in the center basin. Chlorophyll levels range from 7 to 64 ppb and average 24 ppb, indicating that algae blooms are not quite as extreme as seen in the east basin. Water clarity is lower than in the east basin. Secchi depths range from 1 to 7.5 feet and average only 1.8 feet. Again, there do not appear to be any obvious changes in water quality in this basin since Lakewatch sampling began. Click here to view water quality data by year.
West Basin Water Quality
Water enters the west basin of Lake Josephine through Wolf Creek, which drains from the very nutrient rich Lake Wolf, though there is little water quality data available for the Creek itself. Phosphorus levels in Wolf Creek appear to be extremely high, around 200-300 ppb. Based on Lakewatch data, nutrient levels are higher in the west basin than in either of the other two basins. Phosphorus levels in the west basin are quite high, ranging from 54 to 209 ppb, and averaging 104 ppb. Nitrogen levels range from 660 to 1610 ppb and average 1034 ppb. There have been several large increases in algae populations ('blooms'), since Lakewatch sampling began in 1995. Chlorophyll levels in the west basin range from 7 to 100 ppb and average 24 ppb. Water clarity is low in this heavily stained basin, where secchi depths range from 1 to 2 feet and average 1.5 feet. Water quality in the west basin fluctuates seasonally, as expected, and appears to be similar to the water quality found in Lake Wolf (upstream), though the degree of influence by Lake Wolf is as yet unclear. There does not appear to be a significant long term change in water quality in this basin. Click here to view water quality data by year.
There are 3 public boat ramps on Lake Josephine. There is a ramp off of Lake Josephine Shores Road, just off of US 27 on the east side of the east basin. Another ramp is located at the far southwest corner of the east basin, off of Lake Josephine Drive. A third ramp is located at the south end of the west basin at the end of Gresham Road.
Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002
Lakewatch water quality data through 1999 - Josephine Center
Lakewatch water quality data through 1999 - Josephine East
Lakewatch water quality data through 1999 - Josephine West