Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Hurricane Ian to Blame for Record Number of ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Cases
With two months to go in 2022, Florida has already smashed a grim record this year: 65 infections of Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly microbe known, though not quite correctly, as flesh-eating bacteria.
Saltwater Pushed up & Freshwater Flooded Down Caloosahatchee During Hurricane Ian Landfall
The Caloosahatchee River got a huge flush of saltwater when Hurricane Ian plowed into the Southwest Florida coast. And then a lot of it roared back, along with plenty of freshwater runoff.
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.