New Request Could Impact Lake More

SEBRING - Residents, fisheries and businesses around Lake Istokpoga are bracing for another drawdown request that will, if granted, last much longer than the one granted this summer.

Even though summer rains made it so that Istokpoga's water wasn't needed back then, the latest request could last until the end of next summer, and it would include the water-intensive spring time when growers and landscapers alike use the greatest amount of water.

Highlands County Lakes Manager Clell Ford was not sure how great an impact this deviation would have on the lake, but he was certain it would be consequential if it is approved, unlike the last one.

South Florida Water Management District, which manages Lake Istokpoga, asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last month to allow for a new drawdown.

Termed a "temporary deviation" by water management officials, it would allow SFWMD to take more of Lake Istokpoga's water than what is usually allowed to supply homeowners, businesses and other water users.

In this case, it would go down to the Indian Prairie water use basin in Glades and southern Highlands counties, including the Brighton Seminole Indian Reserve that is legally entitled to the water.

Ford presented a model Monday showing that Lake Istokpoga could sink down to a surface elevation of 36.5 feet even if SFWMD's request is denied.

The request calls for a surface minimum of 35.5 feet by June, which means that SFWMD would take water from Istokpoga if it was needed until the lake fell to that level. The historic low level for the lake was set in 1962, when it reached 35.4 feet.

According to a study of the lake performed by SFWMD, access to the lake from fisheries, public boat ramps and airboats would be "impaired" if the lake fell below 36 feet. Monday, the surface elevation was at 38.51 feet.