Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Waterkeepers Florida Position Statement: Protecting Water, Wildlife, and Communities in the Face of Data Center Growth
As interest in large-scale industrial development of data centers continues to grow across our region, it is critical that local governments take a thoughtful and proactive approach to protecting our surface and underground waters, communities, and quality of life.
Water woes: Wells run dry, growth adds pressure as fresh water rushes to sea
In a state surrounded by water and partially covered by it for much of the year, Florida is quickly approaching what experts call a water paradox as freshwater supplies are starting to run low.
Warning signs missed before massive Labelle sewage spill found
A month after a mowing tractor sent an estimated 450,000 gallons of sewage flowing toward the Caloosahatchee in LaBelle, the sequence of events has come into sharper focus.
Communities wrestle with hyperscale projects targeting Florida
Government officials aren’t alone in grappling with data centers. Environmental advocacy groups are also troubled by the potential effects.
Researchers develop tools to test for airborne blue-green algae toxins in Southwest Florida
The data shows that while very few large-scale cyanobacterial bloom events were observed at sampling locations across Southwest Florida, cyanobacterial and algal toxins were present in low concentrations in the majority of samples.
New Report Finds Majority of Florida Waterways Fail Water Quality Standards
A new report released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and Waterkeepers Florida finds that the majority of Florida’s waterways are failing to meet state water quality standards while enforcement of the state’s environmental laws remains far below historical levels.
ADAM device in Lee County gives researchers a repeatable way to track algae bloom exposures
A new device called ADAM (Airborne Detection for Algae Monitoring) is helping researchers measure airborne toxins released by algae blooms, with promising results from initial tests along the Caloosahatchee River.
Calusa Waterkeeper and Brain Chemistry Labs Publish Peer-Reviewed Research on Airborne Harmful Algal Toxins
Calusa Waterkeeper and Brain Chemistry Labs have announced the publication of a collaborative peer-reviewed research study in the international scientific journal Toxins, documenting a new approach to monitoring airborne cyanobacterial toxins and advancing scientific understanding of airborne exposure associated with harmful algal blooms.
Cape Coral, FL development Seven Islands Raises Water Quality Concerns
The Seven Islands development in Cape Coral has broken ground, creating ripple effects throughout the community. Southwest Florida residents and environmental experts are questioning the development’s effect on water quality.
Florida bloom toxins turn up in air, suggesting inhalation risk beyond shorelines
Now partnering with the nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper in Fort Myers, Florida, the Wyoming scientists announced that they have identified airborne cyanobacterial toxins collected in special detectors placed in different locations in Southwest Florida.
Labelle’s Massive Sewage Spill Capped Years of Wastewater Troubles
The city’s wastewater system has been plagued by line breaks, pump failures and blockages. The state found the city failed to maintain the required operations and maintenance manual for its collection system and failed to maintain an emergency response plan.
LaBelle sewage spill sparks environmental and health concerns
A 450,000 gallon sewage spill near LaBelle has raised concerns about potential impacts to the Caloosahatchee River. Calusa Waterkeeper discusses the environmental risks, public health concerns, and why proper wastewater infrastructure is critical to protecting Southwest Florida’s waterways.