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Issue:

Bacteria Monitoring

Cassani at Billy's Creek

Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB)

Bacteria contamination plaguing Florida waterways has arguably reached a crisis point. For example, Billy’s Creek and Manuel’s Branch, tributaries flowing into the Caloosahatchee near downtown Fort Myers, have long been a hot spot for Enterococci bacteria. Enterococcus is used as an indicator of fecal contamination which can carry disease-spreading bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Independent testing of several Lee County waterways is routinely performed by Calusa Waterkeeper staff and volunteer rangers. Test results are determined in our independent lab and at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) depending on the number of samples. Calusa Waterkeeper’s close watch of local creeks has compelled more monitoring by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Enterococci bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, infections and rashes. Fecal indicator bacteria tests high in several Southwest Florida creeks both in the wet and dry season, but is commonly driven by stormwater runoff which carries bacteria into area waterways.

Updates & Action

Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) Sampling

The data in this interactive map includes Calusa Waterkeeper test sites and publicly available data from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Click on a site to get more information and note the last date of sampling.

  • It should be noted that we are not measuring or observing fecal matter in the water. These tests measure for fecal indicator bacteria, specifically enterococci. 
  • Bacteria sampling results show occurrences of serious contamination, especially in the upper reaches of Lee County tributaries.
  • Contamination values have routinely been found at many times the EPA Beach Action Value of 70 MPN.
  • Even with these high levels of contamination, few if any warning signs are typically posted.
  • Both Lee County and municipal officials are aware of this issue.

FIB Sampling Archives

(click images to enlarge view)

Related News Stories

Fecal Indicator Bacteria

High Fecal Bacteria at Lee County Beaches Trigger Warnings

High Fecal Bacteria at Lee County Beaches Trigger Warnings

Lee County’s health department warns residents to avoid the water at local beaches due to high fecal bacteria levels that could cause illness. Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral’s Yacht Club beaches had unsafe levels of Enterococcus bacteria.

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Cassani at Billy's Creek

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Fecal Bacteria

Calusa Waterkeeper has been at the forefront of monitoring this Fort Myers tributary for fecal bacteria indicators.