We live in a very unique area of the North American continent where there exists the largest concentration of solution base lakes. There are over 2,500 lakes in the four Central Florida counties of Lake, Osceola, Orange and Polk. They cover over 4,000 square miles or 7% of the total area of Florida. These lakes are a very special natural resource and provide us with a beautiful environment for relaxation, recreation and an opportunity to observe Nature through abundant wildlife. The adjacent marshes and swamps are the home for a large variety of animals, including an increasing number of several endangered species.

This site was prepared to promote awareness of the causes, effects and prevention of water pollution in our lakes. Clean water is essential to all forms of life. Following the suggestions in this guide could make a definite improvement in the quality of our water bodies.

The topics covered include; the sources of water pollution, the different species of wildlife indigenous to our wetlands, desirable and undesirable aquatic vegetation, rules and regulations regarding lakefronts and boating, and protective measures that can be taken to protect the excellent water quality we now enjoy in the Butler Chain of Lakes, our Outstanding Florida Waters.

We live in a day and age where fresh, clean water is fast becoming a rare luxury. With the urbanization and development of our area, and the increase in population, many of our lakes have become polluted. Most people think of polluted water as being saturated with sewage or poisonous chemicals. However, many polluted lakes are simply filled with excessive amounts of algae or choked with exotic aquatic plants.

The fact is, all rivers and lakes go through a natural aging process called "EUTROPHICATION," where they gradually change into a marsh, then a swamp, then dry land. This process, which normally takes thousands of year-s, can be greatly accelerated by man. This is known as "CULTURAL EUTROPHICATION." When a body of water is overfed with nutrients (mainly carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur), it begins to age. The nutrients stimulate the growth of plants and algae. Some sources of these nutrients are fertilizers, sewage, gasoline, oil, pet wastes, leaves, debris, storm water runoff and detergents. ALGAE is simply a microscopic plant. Therefore, when excessive amounts of nutrients are introduced into a lake, an excessive amount of algae grows. This is called an "ALGAL BLOOM." All plants, including algae, have a process called "RESPIRATION" where they use oxygen and release carbon dioxide during the night, which depletes the oxygen supply in the lake. The drastic change in the oxygen level kills the fish. In addition, as all the algae dies and drifts to the bottom, its decomposition depletes the deep-water oxygen supply. Excessive amounts of algae growing in a lake may result in an "ALGAL MAT," where the lake becomes filled with clumps of algae causing foul odors and loss of recreational use.

In order to prevent our lakes and streams from being overfed with nutrients, adjacent WETLANDS AND SHORELINE VEGETATION should not be disturbed.

The wetlands that border our lakes and river’s serve many important purposes. Wetlands can be in the form of a marsh' or swamp. The difference between a marsh and a swamp is that a marsh has no trees. The wetlands act as the "kidney" to the lakes, filtering out nutrients and pollutants, and cleaning the water before it goes into the lake. This cleansing process takes place in the plants; they love the nutrients and their roots act like a sieve, catching all the sediments, leaves and other debris that would wash right into the lake if they were not there.

Another function of our wetlands is that they act as floodplains. In the case of heavy rains or hurricanes, the extra water flows into them. The marshes and swamps also serve as homes for many of our water birds and animals. They depend on the rich nutrients available and the undisturbed wilderness to make their nests and raise their young. As our wetlands diminish due to development, the wildlife decreases in number and some species even become endangered.

The shoreline of a lakefront lot is measured along the normal high water line. The Orange County Board of county Commissioner-s established 99.5 feet (mean sea level) as the normal high water line for the Butler Chain of Lakes. The water lines for other lakes maybe obtained from the Orange County Environmental Protection Department and the Orange County Engineering Department. Lakefront lots are platted down to the normal high water elevation, below which the State of Florida owns all lands. 

The shoreline of a water body should remain completely natural; modification of the natural form or shape inhibits a water body's ability to effectively utilize or absorb nutrients. Numerous waterfront homeowners have removed beneficial vegetation and formed sandy beaches along their shorelines. This action removes the natural buffer, which helps to protect the water body from shock loads of nutrients and other water pollutants. Shoreline vegetation will absorb harmful nutrients preventing them from entering the water body, and prevent erosion caused by waves created by boats and wind. 

Orange County's Lakeshore Protection Regulations allow you to clear only twenty percent (20%) or thirty (30) linear feet (whichever is greater) of your lake frontage for lake access. If additional clearing in excess of 20% is done without a permit, it constitutes a violation, which could carry a fine of up to $10,000. However, with proper permitting through the Environmental Protection Department, you may remove existing exotic plants and revegetate with native species. 

If most or all of your shoreline vegetation has been removed, consider replanting at least a portion of your shoreline or allowing plants to come back on their own. Shoreline vegetation height should extend far above the water level. There is a direct relation between height and a plant's nutrient absorptive capacity. In fact, if vegetation height is clipped below the water level, a buffer zone's filtering efficiency steadily declines to zero.

Many varieties of native aquatic vegetation are very beautiful and some have lovely blossoms. Consider creating a "water garden" along your shoreline by planting your favorite varieties of aquatic plants. They will help clean the lake and enhance your property at the same time. 

There is an excellent booklet entitled, Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Florida, containing color photographs of native aquatic plants, which may be ordered through the Publications Department of the Institute of Forestry and Agricultural Services (IFAS), Building 664, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0001. At present, the cost is $11.00. Checks should be made payable to the University of Florida. Telephone: (904) 392-1764.

If you decide to revegetate your shoreline, please be certain that you choose desirable, native aquatic plants and not Exotics. "Exotic plants" are simply plants that come from somewhere else and are not "native" to our ecosystem. The danger of introducing exotics is that they have no natural enemies and thus may grow unchecked and out of control.  

A perfect example of an exotic plant growing out of control is Hydrilla. Hydrilla was imported from South America by the aquarium industry. People bought this plant to put in their aquariums and then, when their fish died, they dumped everything into our lakes and streams. We have an incredible problem controlling this exotic weed. It has an unbelievable root system that sends nodules deep into the earth. Therefore, even if the plant is killed back by chemical spraying, it will eventually grow back from its roots. Hydrilla can be spread from one lake to another by a tiny piece caught on the propeller of a boat. Even if the plant dries up on the propeller, when it gets wet again, its tubers will germinate and grow. 

Another aggressive and exotic plant, water hyacinth, is choking our rivers and lakes by completely covering the surface of the water, making is impossible to pass through in a boat. Learn to recognize these plants and contact the proper authorities if you find it in our lakes. On the next page you, will find a listing of desirable native and undesirable exotic.

Septic Tank Systems 

Dredging and Filling 

Irrigation with Lake Water 

The use of Lake Water for Irrigation has the benefit of protecting our drinking water supply due to the fact that the water is not withdrawn from the aquifer, which is our underground water supply. Water withdrawn from the lake for irrigation will eventually percolate through the soil and recharge the lake.

Construction of a boat dock requires permitting by the Orange County Environmental Protection Department and possibly the Florida Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Regulation. The Orange County Environmental Protection Department can advise you of the necessary steps that must be taken. Once all appropriate state and county dock permits have been obtained, you will need to obtain a building and zoning permit from Orange County Building and Zoning Department.

The Butler Chain of Lakes was formed as a result of a typical Florida occurrence known as Karst topography. Limestone, which underlies most of Florida, was slowly dissolved by water to form sinkholes. A series of sinkholes that formed over time produced the sparkling, pristine Butler Chain of Lakes. As you become familiar with the lakes, you will notice that many areas within the lakes can be as deep as 30 to 40 feet. It is believed that these deep holes are what remains of the sinkholes that helped form the Butler Chain. Rainwater is the main source of water that fills these lakes. The chain of lakes, (Down, Wauseon Bay, Butler, Louise, Isleworth, Tibet-Butler, Chase, Blanche, Sheen, Pocket, and Fish), have been designated by the Department of Environmental Regulation of the State of Florida as "Outstanding Florida Waters" due to their excellent water quality and wildlife habitat. They also have the distinction of being the first lakes to receive this significant protection. The OFW designation stipulates that nothing can be done to these lakes that would lower their water quality. However, we must all do our own part to conserve the excellent water quality the chain now enjoys.