Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
World Water Day 2022 Community Clean-up on March 22
Join Calusa Waterkeeper and Keep Lee County Beautiful as we celebrate 50 years of the Clean Water Act by cleaning up our waterways and watersheds in southwest Florida. On March 22, we ask our community and volunteers to get out and celebrate by enjoying the natural beauty our area has to offer.
Water Managers Ask Public to Cut Back on Use but No Mention of Agriculture Cutbacks
State water managers are asking residents and visitors in developed areas to cut down on water use because much of the state is in a moderate drought. But some environmental groups said they want to see more cutbacks from farming, the No. 1 user of water in our area.
Those Concerned about Cyanobacteria Exposure can Help Researchers Learn More about Health Risks
An ongoing study by the University of Miami is empowering citizen scientists to gather samples from waterbodies and their own bodies to help scientists understand the short- and long-term effects of exposure to harmful algal blooms.
Septic Tanks & Retention Ponds Part of Focus for Blue-Green Algae Task Force
The state’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force plans to tackle issues like septic tank pollution and the effectiveness of retention ponds in 2022. Some parts of Florida are covered and filled with septic tanks and retention ponds, both of which add to the state’s growing list of water ailments.
The Safe Waterways Act is Done this Legislative Session
Sadly, we’re here to report that the Safe Waterways Act (SB 604) appears to be dead for the 2022 Florida legislative session. Still, your calls, emails, and efforts got it passed in Senate Committee, which is a big victory for this bill and our work together!
Event Recap: Drinks, Dialogue and a Documentary
Wednesday was a delightful evening spent with supporters and partners during Drinks, Dialogue and a Documentary at the Collaboratory. Thank you to all those who participated and all our great partners, including Millennial Brewing, Wicked Dolphin, Myra Roberts, Clyde Butcher Photography, Cat Chase Media & Nash Williams.
River Clear and Case Closed – but Caloosahatchee Pollution Mystery Remains Unsolved
Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani had hoped someone would admit their mistake. After all, someone has repeatedly released plumes of turbid water into a canal that empties into the Caloosahatchee, which flows out to Lee County’s prized destination barrier islands like Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 32
John Cassani gives us an update on the current legislative session, upcoming events, and more. Thank you to all those that have supported the Safe Waterways Act SB604. Floridians have the Right to Know if the waterways they recreate in are polluted with fecal bacteria.
Pollution Mystery: Where has the Chocolatey Runoff Been Coming From?
Earlier this month, pilot Ralph Arwood, who volunteers for the nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper, photographed brown billows flowing into the Caloosahatchee from the Townsend Canal in Hendry County, near Lee’s border. Its milk chocolatey color contrasted with the river’s dark blue.
Climate Change Experts to Talk About Ocean Warming & Sea Level Rise at Naples Event
Harold Wanless gave his first talk on climate change in Naples in 1981, and the University of Miami professor, now 80, will return Tuesday to speak on the same subject as part of a Collier County Waterkeeper presentation.
Make Your Voice Heard: Oppose SB 2508
Florida Senate bill 2508 surfaced out of nowhere on Friday, February 4th. The bill was fast-tracked skipping the usual committee stops and following another unexpected announcement by the South Florida Water Management District, requesting control of an additional 1.5 feet of Lake Okeechobee above the Water Shortage Band as part of LOSOM.
Who We Are & What We Do
Calusa Waterkeeper and its supporters LOVE our waters and are fighting to protect human health, aquatic life, our local economy, and our piece of paradise in Southwest Florida. We do all of this through science-based research, public education, advocacy, social innovation, water and air monitoring, the hard work of countless volunteers and listening to our community.