Watershed Management: Watershed Planning

Joe's Creek Watershed

 

The Joe’s Creek Watershed is a 9256-acre drainage basin located in south-central Pinellas County. This large drainage basin includes parts of the cities of Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, and Kenneth City. The Joe’s Creek system includes a main branch and three tributaries identified as

Miles Creek and Pinellas Park Ditch #4 and Ditch #5.  Dominant land use categories in the Joe’s Creek Watershed include residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational open space. The main channel of Joe’s Creek flows from east to west, ultimately discharging into Cross Bayou. The primary tributary to Joe’s Creek is Miles Creek which has existing poor water quality and is thought to contribute significant sediment loadings to Joe’s Creek.  

 

Project Update:

 

In 2010, Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District completed a study (L803) to evaluate the sources of nutrients to the headwater of Joe's Creek. The study indicated that fertilizers are a source of nitrogen to Joe’s Creek and that the sediments in Silver Lake also contribute phosphorus. 

 

• Klosterman Bayou and Joe’s Creek Nutrient Source Evaluation

 

Sediment inactivation using alum was conducted on Silver Lake in 2014 to reduce phosphorus release into the water column and decrease nutrient loads to Joe's Creek. Follow up monitoring showed improvements in the nutrient concentrations discharging from the lake to the creek.

Joe's Creek is also impaired for fecal coliform bacteria. A Bacterial Pollution Control Plan was developed in 2016 by the County, the City of St. Petersburg, and Town of Kenneth City. Special sampling and field investigations were used to identify source of bacteria. Sources found include sanitary sewer issues, homeless, pet waste, litter and debris, and wildlife. The plan outlines completed and planned management actions to reduce or eliminate these sources of bacteria in the watershed.

A Watershed Management Plan for Joe's Creek is expected to be complete by 2017. The plan will include recommendations for additional projects to improve flooding and water quality in the watershed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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