Lake Okeechobee is a large, shallow freshwater lake located in southeastern Florida, about 40 miles northwest of West Palm Beach. Here are some key facts about this important lake:

## Overview
– It is the third-largest freshwater lake wholly within the contiguous United States, after Lake Michigan and Iliamna Lake in Alaska.[1]
– Covers an area of around 730 square miles (1,900 sq km) with a shoreline of 135 miles.[1]
– Has an average depth of only 9-12 feet (3-4 meters).[1]
– Its name comes from the Hitchiti Indian word meaning “big water”.[1]

## Hydrology
– The lake’s primary inflow is the Kissimmee River watershed to the north.[1]
– Outflows include the Everglades to the south, and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers.[2]
– A remnant of the prehistoric Pamlico Sea, it occupies a limestone basin.[2]
– Water levels fluctuate seasonally and are managed by levees and outlets to prevent flooding.[1]

## Ecology
– Known for harmful algal blooms caused by increased nutrient pollution (eutrophication).[2]
– Supports diverse flora and fauna, including largemouth bass fishing.[3]
– An important stop for migratory waterfowl.[3]
– Its ecosystem has been impacted by water management projects aimed at flood control and agriculture.[1]

## Recreation and Economy
– Popular for recreational fishing, hunting, photography and nature viewing.[3]
– Communities like Pahokee, Belle Glade and Clewiston are located along its shores.[1]
– Water level management and nutrient pollution remain major environmental concerns impacting the lake’s health.[1][3]

In summary, Lake Okeechobee is a vast but shallow eutrophic lake at the heart of the Greater Everglades ecosystem in Florida, with ecological, economic and water management significance for the region.[1][2][3]

Citations:
[1] https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Okeechobee
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Okeechobee
[3] https://www.cityofokeechobee.com/lake.html
[4] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28930-d117338-Reviews-Lake_Okeechobee-Florida.html
[5] https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/LakeOkeechobee/OkeechobeeWater