October 2019 Hydrology Report
The data displayed in these graphs is referenced in the accompanying report below. Users have the ability to adjust the date and waterbody selections to display specific data.
Precipitation
The gross rainfall total for the month of October averaged 5.57 inches across the Winter Haven area. This is more than double the monthly average of 2.6 inches for this time of year. Compiling the monthly rainfall sums since January 2019, the year-to-date (YTD) total rainfall for Winter Haven amounts to 49.5 inches, which is just shy of the annual average of 51.6 inches. Subtracting the total monthly loss of water due to evaporation/transpiration (ET), the total net rainfall for October was 2.09 inches–placing the YTD net total for the City at +9.75 inches.
Surface Level
Depending on the lake or group of lakes in question, the surface level response to rainfall varies. Considering the spatial extent of the South Chain of Lakes within the City of Winter Haven, this connected group of waterbodies can be used as a standard reference point for the lakes in the area. As of October 2019, the Southern Chain surface level sits at a monthly average of 131.98 feet above sea level. This is considerably higher than the long-term average of 130.6 feet and is even greater than the 75th percentile at 131.7 feet. This coincides with the above-average levels of the majority of other lakes in the Winter Haven area this season.
Groundwater
The Upper Floridan Aquifer (UFA) level is an important metric used to assess the impacts of changes in rainfall and lake levels on the groundwater supply. This level is measured as the elevation of the upper surface of the aquifer above sea level. While the depth of the UFA below the ground surface varies across the Winter Haven area, a representative level is measured via a monitoring station at the center of downtown. As of October 2019, the monthly average UFA level sits at 117.46 feet above sea level. Due to the meager rainfall during September, the UFA has dropped roughly 2 feet since August, however it still remains well above the long-term average of 115.7 feet.