FAQ's

How do I lodge a water quality complaint?  Water quality complaints can be called in to (727) 464-4425.

My pond has a green film on it - what do I do?  Chances are your pond is experiencing an algae bloom. This occurs frequently in ponds that receive excess nutrients in runoff from surrounding areas.  Nutrients are washed into the waterbody and the algae bloom occurs.  These blooms can also cause strong odors to emanate from ponds and creeks.  Brochures are available which detail some steps that homeowners can take to improve the health of their ponds.

Why are there all these dead fish in my pond?  Fish kills are common occurrences in the winter and during particularly hot days during the summer.  The most common cause is low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the pond.  Cold weather also causes kills of fish with little tolerance for drops in temperature (e.g. tilapia).

What is stormwater?  Stormwater is rainwater that falls into a watershed. Stormwater may carry excess nutrients and other pollutants from the watershed into waterbodies. Click here for more info.

What is a watershed?   A watershed is a defined area of land from which all precipitation collects and drains to a common stream, bay, marsh, or lake.

What causes poor water quality?  A number of factors may contribute to poor water quality.  Some of the main culprits are runoff of fertilizers and pesticides from yards, oil and grease from cars, and sediment from construction sites.  Trash, run off of hazardous materials, dumping of waste, and spills are other pollutants that degrade water quality.  Natural occurrences such as algae blooms, although often triggered by pollution, may also contribute to a decline in water quality.

Why can’t I dump grass clippings into the stormdrain or onto the roads?   Dumping of any material into the stormdrain or onto the roads is a direct violation of the County NPDES Stormwater ordinance.  A Notice of Violation (NOV) may be issued and could be followed by a fine of up to $500. It is especially important to remember that many stormdrains and gutters lead directly into the bay or to other County water bodies.

How do I volunteer?  College or High School students interested in interning or assisting in some of our events can call Melanie Weed at (727) 464-4425.  Adults and younger children accompanied by guardians are also welcome!

Who is going to clean up all this trash in my pond?  If the pond is privately owned, it is up to the homeowners or association to remove the debris.  If it is a County owned pond, call Pinellas County Highway at (727) 464-8900.

How do I get rid of all these weeds in my pond?  If the pond is privately owned, the homeowner or association is responsible for clearing the vegetation. Click Adopt Your Pond for more information. Homeowners may call Pinellas County Water Resources at (727) 464-4425 for additional information. Lake management companies can be found in the yellow pages.  However, if the pond is County-owned, contact Pinellas County Highway for maintenance at (727) 464-8900.

Why is there an oil slick by my dock?  Is your boat or personal watercraft is leaking oil?  Also run-off from nearby roads may be discharging from pipes near your property.  Finally, some types of algae blooms resemble an oil-like sheen on the water.

Useful Referrals

Trash in yard - Codes Enforcement: (727) 464-4761

Mangrove trimming violation - Water and Navigation: (727) 453-3385

Sewage overflow, septic leaks - Utilities: (727) 464-3438

Sickness after drinking or swimming in water - Health Department: (727) 824-6900

Overgrown aquatic vegetation - Mosquito Control: (727) 464-7503

Lakes and Ponds – Water Resources Management Section: (727) 464-4425