What is Stormwater Runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater flows over surfaces like roads, rooftops, and driveways, carrying pollutants into storm drains and eventually into our lakes. This water is not treated before entering the environment.

What Can You Do?

• Never dump anything into storm drains.

• Keep leaves, yard clippings, and trash out of the streets and ditches.

• Use fertilizers and pesticides responsibly.

• Dispose of household hazardous waste properly.

• Wash cars on the grass or at commercial car washes.

Town Initiatives:

• Regular street sweeping and drain maintenance.

• Community education programs (Lake Clean Ups) and NPDES compliance.

• Shoreline vegetation management.

Report a Concern:

If you see illegal dumping, clogged storm drains, or signs of pollution, contact Peter Balgobin, Public Works Administrative Coordinator.

Phone: 407-909-5333

pbalgobin@town.windermere.fl.us

• Clean up after your pet. Pet waste should be bagged and disposed of in the garbage.  Pet waste contains elevated levels of nutrients as well as disease-causing pathogens and parasites.

• Sweep up any fertilizer that lands on a paved surface to prevent it from washing off into lakes.

• Keep yard waste out of streets and sidewalks.

• Wash your vehicle on a grassy area or in a designated car washing site. Make sure the detergent you use is free of any phosphorus.

• Please adhere to the guidance in the fertilizer ordinance…and make sure your landscaping company does, too.

• Please do not feed wildlife – birds, squirrels, fish, etc. When wildlife congregates, the animal waste is concentrated in one area and pollutes our lakes with nutrients and potentially harmful microorganisms.

• Lakefront properties should be planted with native aquatic plants. Ideally a combination of submersed, emergent, and floating species add aesthetic beauty and many ecological benefits to the lake.

• The University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (includes a photo directory of native and invasive plants)

• “What’s Happening on My Lake?” – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Orange County Environmental Protection Division manages the invasive aquatic plants that pose the greatest risk to the Butler Chain under the State of Florida’s Workplan agreement administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Invasive Plant Management Section. Specifics on this program and species authorized for treatment can be found here

• Orange County Water Atlas

• Lake information specific to the Butler Chain of Lakes

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are the oldest living organisms on earth. They have been around for millennia in freshwater systems, and they have the ability to produce toxins under certain environmental conditions. Blooms, however, are not always visible, and there is no visual way to determine the presence or absence of toxins. If toxins are present, they may persist for hours, days, weeks, or months.

Unfortunately, scientists don’t fully understand the mechanisms driving toxin production, but we do know that algal blooms are more prevalent when water is warm, nutrients are abundant, and sunlight is plentiful.

Climate change is resulting in increased intensity, frequency, and duration of algal blooms. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to the skin, nervous system, liver, and other physiologic systems via exposure from recreational activities. 

It is always recommended to wash with soap and tap water after any contact with surface waters (fresh or saltwater).

• Algal Bloom Dashboard – Florida DEP

• Algal Bloom Contact – Florida DEP

• Freshwater Algal Blooms FAQs – Florida DEP

• Harmful Algal Bloom Sample Training Video – Florida DEP

• Harmful Algal Blooms – American Veterinary Medical Association

• Harmful Algal Blooms – Florida Health

This microorganism is found in nearly every freshwater system on earth – from mud puddles to lakes to rivers and reservoirs. 

When water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the amoeba is more active and is also more likely to result in infection in humans because recreational activities in water increase in warmer months.

Although rare, it has an exceptionally high mortality rate. Infection occurs only when water is forcefully shoved into the nasal passages of an adult or child. The best protection for swimmers and skiers is to wear noseclips or a scuba mask to prevent possible exposure. 

It cannot cause infection if water is ingested, enters the eyes, ears, or cuts.

Amy L. Giannotti, MS, CLM, of AquaSTEM Consulting, presented the “State of the Lakes” at the January 11th, 2022 Windermere Town Council meeting.

Download the presentation here

Watch the presentation here (actual presentation starts at the 41 minute mark)