However, the lake's level began dropping soon after and by July 2007, it had dropped more than 4 feet (1.2 m) to its all-time low of 8.82 feet (2.69 m).
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The lake, at 730 square miles and an average depth of only 10 feet, begins to flood the surrounding communities. Eventually, much of South Florida will be inundated. U.S. highways 441 and 98, and state roads 715 and 80 are destroyed by the slow-moving water.
About 2,500 acres of estuaries are polluted, accounting for 99% of the total assessed. A big driverof that is Lake Okeechobee, which covers about 450,000 square acres and has been polluted by decades of agricultural and stormwater runoff.
The Okeechobee Utility Authority usually pulls 2.5 million gallons per day from the lake. They can also pull from the Rim Canal nearby as a backup option. In about 15 to 20 minutes, raw lake water is drinkable.
As a precaution, I'd say don't eat any fish from anywhere in the lake right now, said Paul Gray, an Audubon biologist who's been studying Lake O for 30 years. Even if you don't see algae in the water, there can still be toxins in the water because when the algae dies, the toxins remain.
Lake Okeechobee is known for its superior fishing for Large Mouth Bass and Speckled Perch. Each year the lake is visited by thousands of anglers and water fowl hunters to enjoy one of our natural resources. Visitors also visit Lake Okeechobee to photograph the flora and fauna and breathtaking views of the area.
Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine State, Lake Okeechobee is a true gem for boaters. Its vast expanse of shimmering water, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities make Lake Okeechobee a must-visit boating destination in Florida.