Issue:
Bacteria Monitoring
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)
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Billy’s Creek 2020-09
Billy’s Creek 2020-08
Billy’s Creek 2020-07
Lee County 2020-03
Billy’s Creek 2020-03
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Billy’s Creek 2020-02
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Billy’s Creek 2020-01
Lee County 2019-12
Billy’s Creek 2019-12
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Billy’s Creek 2019-11
Billy’s Creek 2019-10
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Billy’s Creek 2019-09
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Related News Stories
Fecal Indicator Bacteria
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 21
This week, Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani, informs us of Lake Okeechobee and the ongoing releases from the Army Corps of Engineers into the Caloosahatchee. There has also been a recent spike in red tide along the gulf.
Calusa Waterkeeper and City of Fort Myers find Differing Fecal Bacteria Data
Efforts to clean up Billy’s Creek are getting a boost. The City of Fort Myers and Calusa Waterkeeper are working together surveying the waterway to help make our water cleaner. The problem is, surveyors are getting conflicting data for fecal bacteria and source tracing.
Calusa Waterkeeper Tests for Source of Billy’s Creek Contamination
Fecal bacteria contamination in Billy’s Creek has been a concern for years, and a local group, Calusa Waterkeeper, is working to fix the problem. They hope new testing will help determine where the bacteria is coming from. Billy’s Creek winds from Fort Myers to the Caloosahatchee, but fecal bacteria has been plaguing this waterway for at least two decades.
‘Staggering’ Amount of Fecal Bacteria Found in Billy’s Creek in Fort Myers
John Cassani with Calusa Waterkeeper said the amount of fecal bacteria located in the creek is staggering. “The contamination is extraordinarily high, it’s terrible. It’s been this way for almost two decades.” Records of the fecal bacteria have been kept by Lee County since 2001.
Calusa Waterkeeper to Conduct Source Tracing of Fecal Bacteria in Billy’s Creek
Calusa Waterkeeper will conduct the first phase of a study to determine the source of the fecal bacteria contamination of Billy’s Creek. The testing determines if the nitrogen is from raw domestic sewage, wildlife, septic tanks, treated wastewater or agricultural sources and will be compared to a concurrent study in the Caloosahatchee River.
Billy’s Creek Enterococci Sampling Results, January 2020
Poor results at every station on Billy’s Creek this month. Extremely high contamination at the Ortiz and Ortiz Circle stations as is almost always the case. Thanks to retired engineers and CWK Rangers Chris and Ed Shinouskis for their help collecting and analyzing samples.
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Priority Issues
Harmful Algal Blooms
Cyanobacteria & Red Tide
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and Karenia brevis (red tide) have been making major impacts on Southwest Florida.
Lake Okeechobee Discharges
Revise System Operating Manual
The Caloosahatchee River often suffers from too much freshwater in the wet season, and not enough freshwater in the dry season.
Cape Coral Spreader Canals
Nutrient & Sediment Loading
The City of Cape Coral is working to remove large storm-water barriers to make recreational boating more convenient.
Bacteria Monitoring
Fecal Bacteria
Calusa Waterkeeper has been at the forefront of monitoring this Fort Myers tributary for fecal bacteria indicators.