LAKELAND, Florida. – Residents along Bonny Lake They may have to wait up to a month before they see their yard or community completely dry.

Since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with local, county and state leaders, began pumping Thursday, the water has receded about a foot from the lake.

Initially, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers thought it would take one to two weeks for the floodwaters to recede, but they now say it could take up to 25 or 30 days.

They did not pump to full capacity for several reasons.

“As we go, we work with what the terrain gives us,” said Maj. Matt Westcott, deputy commander for the Jacksonville District. “We want to get water flowing as quickly as possible to people, but we can’t do it irresponsibly and send water everywhere and possibly create problems for someone else.”

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Westcott says the stormwater system can’t handle more than what it gives it, plus all the water that flows into the basin from elsewhere.

They plan to take some steps.

“There are a few that involve the use of culverts located under the rail system and highway,” Westcott said. “We’re also looking at a few other lake and pond areas. It’s just a matter of talking with the city, county and residents to see what’s possible before we do things.”

Water is moved from Bonny Lake to Parker Lake which will eventually flow into the Peace River.

The Army Corps will continue to reassess the situation to find the best way to get all of this water out as quickly as possible.

Homeowners along Seward Lake in Polk County also had to deal with flooded homes and roads. Westcott says they have not yet received an official request from the state on behalf of the county, but they are aware of the situation and have done an initial analysis.

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