Little Wekiva River
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A part of the Little Wekiva Watershed
The Little Wekiva River is approximately 15 miles long. Its stream course consists of a combination of channelized ditches, lakes, incised channel reaches, and meandering wetland flow until its confluence with the Wekiva River. Its main stem flows northward from Lake Lawne, through Lake Orlando, Lake Lotus, Trout Lake, the eastern portion of the City of Altamonte Springs, and then eventually discharges through the southern reaches of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve. The Little Wekiva River has experienced an increase in discharge (volume of water) and velocities (current speed and direction) due to urbanization and some adverse environmental and water quality impacts from the movement and deposition of sediments. However, riverbank stabilization, removal of invasive vegetation, and sedimentation control have resulted in improved water quality within the Little Wekiva River.
Over the years both FDEP's SCI and FDEP's BioRecon have been preformed at several sites along the Little Wekiva River. The most recent BioRecon indicates healthy conditions. There are many variables such as habitat, flow, and excess sand or silt smothering that contribute to the health of the macroinvertebrates here. The Little Wekiva River provides adequate habitat such as aquatic vegetation, fallen tree branches, slightly undercut banks with delicate hair-like roots, and partially decayed leaf debris. These diverse substrates aid in protective cover and help supply food sources to these small organisms. Around 20% of the stream contains these desirable habitats. Another important factor aiding in food supply is water velocity. The Little Wekiva River provides excellent flow rates for these small invertebrates. This group of crustaceans, worms, mollusks, juvenile and adult insects thrives in this water body that contains shallow pools and very minimal amounts silt and sand smothering. Overall, the ecosystem in the Little Wekiva River grants these macroinvertebrates, or water quality indicators, a favorable place to call home.
