Lake Viola

Lake Viola is a deep, sandy-bottomed, clear 'ridge' type lake located north of the City of Avon Park.  The limited amount of Lakewatch water quality information available indicates that water quality is very good in this lake.  Phosphorus levels are very low, ranging from 4 to 10 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 7 ppb.  Nitrogen levels are also very low, ranging from 300 to 750 ppb and averaging only 502 ppb.  Algae populations, as estimated by the concentration of chlorophyll in the water, are very low as a result of the low levels of nutrients.  Chlorophyll levels range from 1 to 8 ppb and average only 4 ppb.  Low levels of algae generally result in a high degree of water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water.  Secchi depths in Lake Viola range from 8 to 18 feet and average over 12 feet, making this among the clearest lakes in the county.  No changes in water quality can be discerned from the limited data available.  Click here to view water quality data by year.

The boat ramp on Lake Viola is on the west side of the lake and may be difficult to use without 4 wheel drive at times because the ramp is quite sandy.  Take State Road 17 east from US 27 north of Avon Park.  Once you cross the railroad tracks, turn right onto Park Avenue.  The boat ramp is one block south on the left hand side.

Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002

Lakewatch water quality data through 1999