In general, streams flowing to Tampa and Sarasota Bays are 
characteristic of the Florida coastal plain. They are generally high in 
color, rich in nutrients, often of sluggish flow, and have seasonally 
fluctuating dissolved oxygen levels due to changes in temperature, 
metabolic activity, and the loading of oxidizable materials from the 
watershed. These streams generally transport low sediment loads due to 
low surface relief within the watershed and a lack of fine grained 
materials in surface soils throughout the region. In addition, virtually 
all streams flowing to the bays have been impacted adversely by urban 
development or agriculture with varying effects on their water quality. 
Water quality data for a number of tributaries to Tampa and 
Sarasota bays are listed in Table 2. These tributaries were selected to 
represent a range of sizes, flows, and impacts due to urban or 
agricultural development. Where possible, data from the most downstream 
station above the tidal reach are listed. As indicated in Table 2, 
however, some data are from brackish zones and an influence of the bay on 
water quality is apparent. A geographic approach is used for discussion 
of these data, beginning with the western shore of Tampa Bay and 
proceeding clockwise. 
Pinellas County 
The southern half of the Pinellas County peninsula exhibits low 
surface relief with a maximum elevation of approximately 25 feet. 
Consequently, no streams of considerable size are found in this region 
and drainage is through stormwater drainage systems, bayous, and tidal 
creeks. Tributaries to Boca Ciega Bay west of Tampa Bay have been 
modified to underground storm sewers or open ditches. Similarly, the 
southeastern portion of the peninsula is drained by ditches and storm 
sewers which empty into small tributaries and bayous of lower Tampa Bay. 
Lopez and Giovannelli (1984) monitored three small creeks in the south 
Pinellas region. Water quality data collected during storm events for 
one of these creeks, Booker Creek, are listed in Table 2. Baseflow in 
these south Pinellas creeks was extremely low, ranging from .57 to 1.0 
cfs, and the majority of nutrient loading to the bays occurred during 
periodic storm events. 
Five small streams draining mid Pinellas County flow easterly to 
Old Tampa Bay. Land use in this region is predominantly urban and at 
least 30% of the area is drained by storm sewers. Water quality data for 
these five creeks are limited to portions of Allen and Alligator Creeks 
(Table 2). Both creeks exhibit wide fluctuations in dissolved oxygen 
levels and high concentrations of nutrients, BOD, and coliform bacteria. 
Lake Tarpon and Northwest Hillsborough County 
From the north, Old Tampa Bay receives flow from three drainage 
areas; Brooker Creek/Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal, Double Branch Creek, and 
the area of northwestern Hillsborough County drained by Rocky and 
Sweetwater Creeks. The Brooker Creek/Lake Tarpon drainage basin is one 
of the most unique systems in the region. Until 1969, Lake Tarpon was 
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