Monitoring Salinity and Protecting Lake Tarpon: Hurricane Surge Response

Discover how the District and its partners responded to record storm surges during Hurricanes Adelia and Helene, which threatened Lake Tarpon’s freshwater ecosystem. The team deployed advanced data loggers at the S-551 structure to monitor salinity levels and prevent saltwater intrusion from Old Tampa Bay. Working alongside Pinellas County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our response and recovery unit gathered real-time data on salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen to safeguard Lake Tarpon’s healthy ecosystem. This video highlights the critical role of coordination and data in protecting our freshwater lakes. Learn more about our storm preparation, monitoring efforts, and how this collaborative work helps maintain water quality!