In the summer of 1983, 106 lakes in the city of Orlando, Fla. were considered in a selection process to determine which most needed restoration in the City's Lake Enhancement Program. The existing lake systems were thoroughly investigated with regard to historical water quality data; existing water quality data; current public uses; visual, physical, and chemical condition; the drainage basins; the stormwater structures and management controls; as well as surface color aerial and false color infarared aerial photometric reconnaissance. These were analyzed to provide an objective screening process to determine a discrete set of lakes, approximately four to six, which may be top candidates for a pilot lake project. This paper describes the screening process.