During a recent government meeting, concerns regarding the water levels in the Claremont Chain of Lakes were brought to the forefront by a long-time resident and boater. The speaker highlighted significant issues, including property damage from erosion and evacuations due to rising water levels, which have increased by two feet following recent hurricanes.

The resident pointed to the Cherry Lake Dam, built in the 1950s, as a primary factor contributing to the current water management problems. The dam, originally constructed to support local orange groves, has restricted natural water flow, reducing it from a 475-foot wide passage to just 25 feet. This alteration has created an imbalance among the five dams and spillways in the area.

The speaker urged the Lake County Water Authority to monitor the water levels of all dams and spillways weekly, noting that currently, only one dam has electronic real-time tracking, while others require manual readings. The slow decline of water levels—approximately one-third of an inch per day—suggests that it could take up to two and a half months for the lakes to return to normal levels.

In light of these challenges, the resident proposed exploring federal funding opportunities to address the situation. They emphasized the need for a larger dam or spillway to better manage water levels, advocating for self-regulating spillways that could maintain balance during both high and low water periods.

The discussion underscored the importance of hydrology studies and collaboration with the water authority to ensure effective management of the Claremont Chain of Lakes, as the community grapples with the ongoing impacts of climate and infrastructure challenges.