Originally published in Gulfshore Business by Evan Williams on January 7, 2026
Elevated fecal indicator bacteria is a longstanding issue in Fort Myers and in urban waterways across Florida. Manuel’s Branch and Billy’s Creek, another urban tributary, have been identified as hotspots for decades, according to the Waterkeeper’s report. Exposure to fecal pollution can increase the risk of eye, ear, throat, skin and gastrointestinal illnesses
Calusa Waterkeeper’s citizen scientists collected nine groundwater and surface-water samples in Manuel’s Branch during 2024 and 2025, confirming human microbial contamination. The samples tested positive for HF183, a human DNA marker, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener used as an indicator of human wastewater.
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City staff and board members discussed adding warning signage at Manuel’s Branch Neighborhood Park, expanding participation in the city’s Adopt-a-Canal program and other steps recommended by the Waterkeeper. Those include targeted vegetation removal to aid cleanup, plugging unused pipes, testing lift stations for leaks, modifying embankments to reduce runoff and increasing the frequency of water-quality testing.
Original Story