Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Calusa Waterkeeper to Distribute Rapid Home Drinking Water Test Kits
Calusa Waterkeeper is committed to keeping our residents informed about water quality. With that in mind, we are offering two free water test kits for your use to ensure your home’s drinking water is safe. These free kits will be distributed Saturday, October 15.
Hurricane Ian’s Ecological Impacts Unfold as Pollution Pours into SWFL Waterways
There’s no debate that Hurricane Ian was a disaster for Southwest Florida, leaving many homeless and thousands without power. But for right now, an ecological disaster is still unfolding, as pollution pouring into our waterways threatens to impair our waters for years to come.
Health Officials Warn Against Swimming at Local Beaches and Pools After Hurricane Ian
The Department of Health in Lee County issued an advisory warning the public against swimming at local beaches or in swimming pools because of an elevated risk of waterborne illnesses due to Hurricane Ian causing septic tank failures, swimming pools filled with brackish water, and various community sewage treatment facilities going offline.
Fecal Bacteria Returns to Lee County Waters
The Calusa Waterkeeper, an environmental watchdog in Lee County, surveyed recreational waterways around Lee County and found high levels of fecal bacteria in places like Whiskey Creek, Manatee Park and the Estero River.
No End in Sight for Florida’s Water Woes
The longer the delay in making real progress toward restoring Florida’s polluted waters, the more expensive it will be to attain restoration, much less enforce regulations meant to prevent the problem. -John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper
Calusa Waterkeeper Welcomes New Team Member
The Calusa Waterkeeper Board of Directors is pleased to announce the addition of Julie Althaver to the team. Althaver brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and communications with an extensive background in cultivating meaningful donor relationships, securing major gifts, and managing complex projects.
Calusa Waterkeeper Looking at Effects of Blue-Green Algae Toxins
As blue-green algae blooms grow, so do health concerns. Lee County, the Department of Environmental Protection, and FGCU are all monitoring the situation as the Calusa Waterkeeper digs further into air quality testing to protect those living nearby.
Lee County Partners with Environmental Company to help Treat Blue-Green Algae
From the greenish color of the water to the odor that comes from it, now the work to handle the blue-green algae bloom is in North Fort Myers. Lee county brought an Environmental company to help treat and restore a waterway.
Toxic Blue-Green Algae Becoming a Possible Health Concern for North Fort Myers Residents
Cyanobacteria has taken over the canals of Waterway Estates in North Fort Myers, a canal system along the Caloosahatchee. Photos taken show huge, green mats of bad-smelling blue-green algae, but now scientists are concerned it could be harmful to breathe for people living nearby.
Update on Blue-Green Algae in Little Lake Michigan Canal
The blue-green algae in the Little Lake Michigan Canal appears to have been broken up by the recent heavy rain. Just because it is no longer visible on the surface, experts say that doesn’t mean that it’s gone.
Blue-Green Algae found in North Fort Myers Canal has Homeowners Feeling Uneasy
Blue-green algae have been found in a North Fort Myers canal and people are not only seeing it but smelling it as well. It blooms during this time of year, but one homeowner along the canal says in her 20 years here she has never seen it in her own backyard.
Matlacha Pass Water Quality with Capt. Codty Pierce
Capt. Codty Pierce shares his observations on Matlacha Pass water quality and boating pressure. Matlacha Pass is a State Aquatic Persevere and designated an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW), but it is also verified impaired for nutrients, fecal bacteria in shellfish, and more.