Lakes and Ponds Committee

In 2009, after many years of dedicated service to Waterford Pointe, working hand-in-hand with Developer Bill Kribs, Mark Novokowsky resigned as Chairman of the Lakes and Ponds Committee.

Over the years, his services were impossible to measure.  He brought a level of knowledge  to this subject that cannot be gained anywhere else in Central Florida.  It's what he does! 

Hopefully Mark will reconsider and once again take charge of this huge responsibility.

Until then or until someone with the proper qualifications steps forward, Dick Smith will be filling in.

Immediately below is the latest water elevation update - provided by Mark

Surface elevations of Lake Roberts from October 2004 through January 2009 are shown on the graph.   According to studies conducted by Orange County in the past, the normal high water elevation of Lake Roberts is supposed to be 109 feet above sea level.   Comparatively, Lake Crescent is normally at 101 feet above sea level, Lake Butler at 98 feet above sea level, and Lake Tilden 96 feet above sea level. 

If you would like to download a graph of these levels, simply ... 

State of Lake Roberts
Lake Roberts is currently infected with many invasive aquatic plant species including hydrilla, southern niad, water hyacinth, coontail, duckweed, algae, and cattails which prevent activities such as swimming and boating in some locations depending on the time of year.  The grass carp (fish) that were installed in April 2006 have shown great success in controlling some of the invasive species, especially hydrilla. However, Lake Roberts will always be very susceptible to these invasive aquatic plants and will require constant attention and maintenance to prevent the invasive species from completely “choking” the lake if left unattended. Our committee maintains constant contact with the Orange County Environmental Protection Department and greatly values their support in monitoring the invasive species and providing chemical treatments in the past.

Ponds of Waterford Pointe
The ponds in Waterford Point are monitored and treated on a monthly basis by a contractor who specializes in such work.  The ponds are actually storm water collection reservoirs that receive storm water runoff from common areas, developed lots, as well as the roads within the subdivision. As such, the water quality of the ponds is greatly affected by the influx of common pollutants such as herbicides, pesticides, automotive residues, etc. Although some of our residents like fishing the ponds, we strongly advise against the consumption of any catch.  The ponds also have fountains and lighting primarily for aesthetic purposes and are maintained by the Landscape Committee so please report any outages or other such concerns to a committee member or the Board of Directors. 

Lake Roberts - Maintenance & Restoration
We were informed by the Orange County Environmental Protection Department in late January 2009 that they are going to schedule a community meeting sometime in the next couple of months regarding the establishment of a Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) for Lake Roberts.  The MSBU would be established to collect tax dollars from residents who own property on Lake Roberts including residents of Waterford Pointe since each homeowner has access to Lake Roberts via the recreational area.  The tax would fund the restoration and maintenance of Lake Roberts as administered by the Orange County Environmental Protection Department.


Lakefront Clearing and Dock Building
You should be aware that it is against the law to remove vegetation including invasive species or spray chemicals along the shore line (including the canal), build a dock, etc. without first obtaining a permit from Orange County and the Architectural Review Committee of the WPHOA.  

Click HERE to obtained additional information from Orange County’s web site.

  
Swimming Precautions
Orange County Health officials are warning residents to be extremely cautious in central Florida lakes and other bodies of water due to the threat of the deadly amoeba (naegleria fowleri) that caused the deaths of 3 young boys. Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty said the safest thing people can do is stay out of the water. Health officials said that there is an increased risk of infection by the organism in all freshwater areas throughout Florida, especially during summer months when the water temperature exceeds 80 degrees. Water sports or activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, swimming or diving puts people at a greater risk, officials said. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions.

• Wear nose clips or hold your nose when swimming, jumping or diving in any fresh water -- Closed nostrils reduce your risk of infection by amoebic encephalitis, a rare but life-threatening condition.
  
  

• Do not swim in warm standing water, such as ponds, lakes, storm water retention areas or in areas posted "No Swimming" -- Bacteria and other harmful organisms thrive in warm, standing water. Seek prompt medical attention if you become ill after swimming in freshwater.
  
  

• Avoid areas with obvious algal blooms.  Contact with your skin may cause rash, runny nose and burning eyes.

Every year health experts issue warnings to educate the public about the amoeba that thrives in all fresh water bodies when the water temperature rises. Naegleria Fowleri is a microscopic amoeba most commonly found in the upper layer of sediment in the bottom of lakes and ponds with mud floors. Symptoms of amoebic encephalitis include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations. The amoeba invades the brain and the disease progresses rapidly, usually resulting in death within three to seven days. The infection cannot be spread from person to person or contracted from a properly maintained swimming pool.    

“A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is the earth’s eye looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”
                          - Henry David Thoreau