Lake Tarpon

Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake located about 10 miles (16 km) west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida. Lake Tarpon is the largest freshwater lake in Pinellas County with a surface area of 2,534 acres (10.25 km2).[1] Its watershed encompasses 52 square miles (130 km2). Its two largest tributaries are South Creek and Brooker Creek.[2] The lake is a regional recreational destination and is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing.[1]

Lake Tarpon
Location of Lake Tarpon in Florida, USA.
Location of Lake Tarpon in Florida, USA.
Lake Tarpon
Location of Lake Tarpon in Florida, USA.
Location of Lake Tarpon in Florida, USA.
Lake Tarpon
LocationPinellas County, Florida
Coordinates28.12°N 82.73°W / 28.12; -82.73
Catchment area52 sq mi (130 km2)
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area2,500 acres (10 km2)

Although Lake Tarpon is designated as a fishing lake, it fails to meet the EPA's standards, and is therefore listed as an impaired lake due to its excessive nutrients and resulting low dissolved oxygen levels.[3] The lake underwent increasing eutrophication during the 1990s, following a large algal bloom in 1987.[4] Although initial studies determined that the lake was not polluted,[5] studies in the following years noted a decline in the lake's water quality.[6]

References
  1. "Lake Tarpon | FWC". Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  2. "Lake Tarpon Watershed". www.pinellascounty.org. Archived from the original on 18 June 2006.
  3. "Lake Tarpon | Lake Details". www.Pinellas.WaterAtlas.usf.edu. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022.
  4. Deitche, Scott M.; Hicks, Donald (January 2006). "Lake Tarpon Drainage Basin Management Plan Update" (PDF). Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 May 2006. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  5. Landry, Sue (April 3, 1992). "Lake Tarpon not polluted, study shows". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  6. "Lake Tarpon SWIM Plan" (PDF). July 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
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