Lakes Management

The Lakes Management Division is responsible to maintain and to promote Maitland’s 21 lakes, canals, and waterways. This includes aquatic plants, shorelines and water quality. A stormwater and lakes management plan establishes goals to reduce polluted runoff and to protect the health and quality of lakes.

Permitting

Private property owners must receive permit approval prior to removing aquatic plants or altering shorelines. This is essential to protect native aquatic habitat and natural features of lakes.

Stormwater Runoff

Many of these lakes are surrounded by development, which contributes large amounts of rain runoff with each storm. The initial flush of stormwater that does not evaporate or soak into the soil often washes across lawns, parking lots, roads and other surfaces, picking up all kinds of pollutants that can be collected by drainage systems flowing out to retention areas, ponds and natural lakes.

Polluted storm runoff contributes to poor water quality and algal blooms in our lakes. Storm runoff also can erode shorelines and destroy aquatic habitats needed for fish and wildlife. By changing a few habits, we can all reduce stormwater impacts and help keep our community clean, safe and healthy.

IMPORTANT: The City of Maitland prohibits the use of lawn fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus between June 1 and September 30. Whereas Orange County has a similar fertilizer restriction that provides an exception for certified applicators, the City of Maitland ordinance removes that exception and prohibits all applicators per the restrictions.

Aquatic Vegetation

Florida has hundreds of native aquatic plants - many that are vital to maintain good water quality, to prevent shoreline erosion and to support fish and wildlife. These beneficial plants should be preserved as much as possible for the health of lakes.

Learn how to identify native plants from invasive weeds - especially before considering vegetation control or shoreline alterations. When making shoreline alterations, consider adding native plants for a beautiful and natural complement to any waterfront property. If you are unsure about plants along your shoreline, please contact the Lakes Management Division at (407) 539-6203 or at rsullivan@itsmymaitland.com.

Aquatic vegetation is important to the health of Maitland's lakes. These plants are typically grouped into four categories: submersed, floating, emergent, and algae.

Native plants should be preserved for many benefits. But it can be difficult to identify the differences between beneficial natives and the harmful exotics. Please consult with an aquatic management professional or the City of Maitland's Lake Management division before making shoreline changes.

Here are some common emergent plants that are native to Florida.

Exotic Plants

Florida has almost 200 exotic plant species that can quickly grow out of control, competing for space and destroying natural habitat. Lakes are prone to many varieties of these invasive problems. The University of Florida provides good online resources to identify exotic plants. The City of Maitland regularly treats areas of local water bodies to limit the spread of common exotic plants. Lakefront property can do their part by controlling exotic plants along shorelines. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides helpful information about statewide aquatic plant management.

The water hyacinth was introduced into the United States in 1884 at the Cotton States Exposition in New Orleans as an aquatic ornamental plant. Water hyacinth forms dense, impenetrable mats which clog waterways, making boating, fishing and almost all other water activities, impossible. It also reduces biodiversity by crowding out native plants at the water’s surface and below. Water hyacinth is a Category I invasive that spreads rapidly by producing daughter plants. MORE INFO

Lakes Management

Permitting

Stormwater Runoff

Aquatic Vegetation

Exotic Plants

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