List of dams and reservoirs in Florida facts for kids

Florida has many important dams and reservoirs. These structures help manage water for different reasons. They store water for drinking, prevent floods, and sometimes even help create electricity. They also make lakes for fun activities like boating and fishing!

Dams and Reservoirs: Florida's Water Managers

What are Dams and Reservoirs?

A dam is a big barrier built across a river or stream. It holds back water, creating a large artificial lake called a reservoir. These structures are super important for managing Florida's water. They help make sure we have enough clean water to drink, control floods during heavy rains, and keep rivers flowing smoothly. Some dams also help ships travel along waterways.

The biggest dams are usually at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) tall. They can hold a huge amount of water, sometimes enough to fill over 5,000 football fields!

Important Dams and Reservoirs in Florida

Here are some of the key dams and reservoirs you can find in Florida:

• C. W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir: This reservoir is a very important source of drinking water for the Tampa Bay area. It's managed by Tampa Bay Water and uses several dikes (smaller walls) to hold its water.

Franklin Lock and Dam

• Franklin Lock and Dam: Located on the Caloosahatchee River, this lock and dam helps control water levels and allows boats to pass through. It's managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which is a part of the U.S. government that builds and manages many water projects.

• Herbert Hoover Dike: This is a very long dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake. It helps protect the surrounding areas from flooding, especially during hurricanes. The USACE also manages this important structure.

• Inglis Spillway and Dam: This dam helps manage the water levels of Lake Rousseau. It's overseen by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

• Jackson Bluff Dam: This dam creates Lake Talquin and is managed by the City of Tallahassee, Florida. It helps provide water and recreation for the area.

• Jim Woodruff Dam: Found on the Apalachicola River, this dam creates Lake Seminole. It's another important project managed by the USACE.

• Lake Manatee Dam: This dam forms Lake Manatee, which is a key source of drinking water for Manatee County.

• Munson Recreation State Dam: This dam helps manage Lake Munson and is overseen by the State of Florida.

• Moss Bluff Lock and Spillway: Located on the Oklawaha River, this structure helps control water flow and allows boats to move along the river. It's managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

• Port Mayaca Lock and Dam: This lock and dam is part of the Okeechobee Waterway, which allows boats to travel across Florida. It's also managed by the USACE.

• Rodman Dam: This dam creates the Rodman Reservoir and is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

• Burrell Lock and Dam: This structure is on Haines Creek and is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It helps manage water flow in the area.

• Apopka-Beauclair Lock and Dam: Located on the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, this lock and dam also helps manage water levels and navigation. It's managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

See also

• List of dam removals in Florida