Originally published on WINK News by Bridget Bruchalski on August 28, 2025
Environmental groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming that Florida’s water quality standards are dangerously outdated and that these regulations leave communities exposed to toxic pollutants.
An unidentified rainbow sheen recently appeared across the Caloosahatchee River, reminding residents of how easily pollutants can spread through waterways. This incident highlights why environmental groups and Florida’s Waterkeepers are pushing for updated regulations.
“This lawsuit was filed against the EPA,” said Joe Cavanaugh, Calusa Waterkeeper, “for failing to adopt water quality protections concerning toxic and cancer-causing chemicals in Florida waters.”
Cavanaugh explained that 73 toxic chemicals lack regulation and are present in Florida’s waterways.
“A lot of toxic pollutants include a lot of known carcinogens, like benzene,” said Cavanaugh. “There’s lots of chemicals people have never heard of, but almost all of them have some sort of carcinogenic or other seriously deleterious effects on humans.”
He also expressed concern about these pollutants being present in seafood consumed by the public.
“It should be concerning,” said Cavanaugh. “That’s the fish that you’re selling to restaurants and people are eating.”
Environmental groups argue that outdated standards put communities at risk, prompting them to sue the EPA to force action.
“We’re kind of stuck back in the early 90s,” said Cavanaugh.
Florida’s water quality standards haven’t been updated since 1992. However, Florida Gulf Coast University professor Don Duke emphasized that the risk concerns long-term impact rather than immediate health issues.
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