Lake Pretty Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Lake Pretty, located in Hillsborough, Florida, is a state-regulated water resource managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.


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Summary

This reservoir, constructed in 1972 for flood risk reduction, has a significant hazard potential due to its structural height of 8.1 feet and hydraulic height of 6.5 feet. With a surface area of 284 acres and a drainage area of 13 square miles, Lake Pretty offers vital storage capacity of 2016 acre-feet to mitigate potential flooding events in the region.

Despite its key role in flood risk reduction, Lake Pretty has not undergone a recent condition assessment and is currently rated as "Not Rated." The dam's spillway, with a controlled design and a width of 18 feet, can discharge up to 300 cubic feet per second to manage water levels during heavy rainfall. With a maximum storage capacity of 2016 acre-feet and a normal storage level of the same volume, Lake Pretty is a critical water resource in the Citrus Park area of Florida. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk assessment indicates a very high risk level (1), highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintaining this essential infrastructure to safeguard the local community and environment.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

45

Dam Height

6.25

River Or Stream

ROCKY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

284

Hydraulic Height

6.5

Drainage Area

13

Nid Storage

2016

Structural Height

8.1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.