Lake Persimmon
Lake Persimmon is a shallow (10 feet), mucky-bottomed 'transition' type lake located to the west of US 27 between the Town of Lake Placid and the City of Sebring. Based on Lakewatch data, Lake Persimmon is among the poorest lakes in the county with respect to water quality. Nutrient levels, especially nitrogen, are extremely high and therefore algae populations are very dense and dramatically reduce water clarity. A committee has formed to determine the best course of action to attempt to correct the situation. Also, the County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District have a cooperatively funded project to further investigate the source and nature of water quality problems in the lake. Please visit our current projects/Persimmon water quality page for more information. Phosphorus levels in Lake Persimmon are fairly high, ranging from 18 to 57 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 35 ppb. However, nitrogen is the real problem in this lake where values range from 950 to 4050 ppb and average an excessively high 3192 ppb. Algae populations, as estimated by the concentration of chlorophyll in the water, are very high as a result of the very high nutrient levels. Chlorophyll levels range from 12 to 160 ppb and average a very high 82 ppb. The presence of so much algae dramatically reduces water clarity, which is measured as the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water. Secchi depths range from 0.5 to 5 feet and average only 1.1 foot. Water quality has been poor in Lake Persimmon since Lakewatch sampling began in 1994, though it does not appear to have gotten appreciably worse. Water clarity improved considerably in early 2003, with secchi depths as much as 4 feet, as a result of the aeration system installed in the lake. However, the clarity fell to only a foot again after about 2-3 months. Further work is needed to permanently remove the nutrients from the water and sediments, since the lake will only remain clear as long as the aerators are turned on. Click here to view water quality data by year.
The boat ramp for Lake Persimmon is located on the east side of the lake. Take Lake Francis Road west from US 27 and follow until the road curves off to the left. However, instead of veering left, go straight onto Hillside drive and you will run straight into the ramp.
Historic aerials photo gallery 1944-2002
Lakewatch water quality data through 1999