USACE plans to raise the water level schedule for the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) plan to allow higher water levels in Lakes Kissimmee, Cypress and Hatchinhea in order to store more wet season water for release to the restored portion of the Kissimmee River in the dry season.
The first increment, expected to go into effect this year, will increase water levels in the lakes by about 6 inches. Land that will be effected by the change has already been purchased by the state. Increment 1 will remain in effect until a subsequent increment is implemented, or upon implementation of the full Headwaters Revitalization Schedule.
The update of the Headwaters Revitalization Schedule will use a portion of the additional storage capacity in Lakes Kissimmee, Hatchineha and Cypress (KCH) achieved through real estate acquisition.
The Headwaters Revitalization Schedule will be implemented in phases to hold more water in Lakes Kissimmee, Cypress and Hatchineha to allow historic flows to the Kissimmee River while maintaining the same level of flood protection.