Lake Olivia
Lake Olivia is a deep (41 feet), sandy-bottomed, clear 'ridge' type lake located to the northwest of the City of Avon Park. This lake is surrounded entirely by a county park that can be used for jogging, swimming, fishing and boating. Based on Lakewatch data, water quality in Lake Olivia is very good and the lake itself can be maintained in good condition if lake users will be conscientious and take care of this wonderful natural resource. Phosphorus levels are very low in Lake Olivia, ranging from 5 to 19 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging only 10 ppb. Nitrogen levels are also very low, ranging from 290 to 710 ppb and averaging 469 ppb. These low levels of nutrients result in low algae populations, which are estimated based on the concentration of chlorophyll in the water. Chlorophyll values range from 2 to 14 ppb and average only 6 ppb, resulting in increased water clarity. Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, is quite good in Lake Olivia. Secchi depths range from 5 to 18 feet and average 10 feet, making Lake Olivia among the clearer lakes in the county. Water quality fluctuates as expected in this lake and long term trends do not indicate any changes in water quality since Lakewatch sampling began in 1996. Click here to view water quality data by year.
The boat ramp for Lake Olivia is located at the south end of the lake off of Nautilus Drive - the road that runs around the entire lake.
Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002
Lakewatch water quality data through 1999