and installation of an automatic alum treatment system. Lake Ella receives stormwater runoff from an urban watershed that is approximately 157 acres (635,000 m2) in area. During a typical year the lake treats somewhere around 250 million gallons (946,352 cu. m) of stormwater runoff. During normal water elevations the lake stores approximately 27 million gallons (102,206 cu. m) of water. During excessive rain events the lake can store an additional 9 million gallons (34,068 cu. m). Pollutant treatment is obtained through an automated system that doses alum at six locations based on the volume of stormwater entering the lake. Alum, which is a substance used by some communities to treat drinking water, mixes with incoming stormwater and causes pollutants to settle to the lake bottom. Lake Ella sometimes floods after severe storms, which can cause the surrounding roads to be closed for a few days. References External links Lake Ella @ Talgov.com Richard Devine Photos at Lake Ella History of Lake Ella City of Tallahassee Public Works page on Lake Ella Ella Geography of Tallahassee, Florida Ella