NEW PRIMER ON CENTRAL FLORIDA LAKES AVAILABLE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ever wonder why there so many lakes in central Florida, and how they came into existence? Or why the water level in one lake seems to rise much faster than in another nearby lake? A new U.S Geological Survey publication, "Hydrology of Central Florida Lakes - A Primer", answers these questions ...... and many more. The report was written to help Florida residents and visitors understand the origin of lakes and the role that lakes play in the complex hydrologic cycle of central Florida.

Florida has an estimated 7,800 lakes that are greater than one acre in surface area, and of these, 35 percent are located in just four central Florida counties: Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Polk. Florida lakes, unlike many lakes in other southeastern states, form naturally. They form in karst terrain which occurs in carbonate rock throughout central Florida. The lakes are controlled by effects of the hydrologic cycle, together with the cavernous, fractured nature of the carbonate rock, which creates springs and seepage of ground water into and out of the lakes.

Although the primer focuses on lakes in central Florida, many of the principles described are applicable to lakes in other areas of the country and world. The primer describes surface water and ground water interactions with lakes and the resulting effects on lake water levels and water quality. Included in the primer are examples of the natural variability between lakes in the way they were formed and in how they respond to rainfall and other factors. Lake classification systems are discussed, and some of the more common methods of lake level control and water quality improvement are pictured and described. The primer also includes a glossary.

Copies of the report, "Hydrology of Central Florida Lakes - A Primer", by Donna M. Schiffer, and published as USGS Circular 1137, are available free of charge from the USGS Branch of Information Services, Box 25286, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225, (303) 202-4700 (fax requests to (303) 202-4963); or by contacting the USGS Water Resources Division District Office, Suite 3015, 227 N. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL, (850) 942-9500, fax (850)-942-9521, or the USGS Water Resources Division's Orlando Office, 224 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714, (407) 865-7575, fax (407) 865-3733.