Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Guest Opinion: Stating the Facts About Water Quality in Lee County
There is no comparison between what happened in Flint Michigan and what is now happening in SW Florida. For the record, I would like to state a few facts about water quality in Lee County and then the readers can make up their own minds on how competent our state and local officials are.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 29
This week’s updates from John include water quality in Matlacha Pass, info on CDC study, and an event this Saturday, July 3rd at 2 pm, at Unitarian Universalist Church to support Right to Clean Water.
Group Tests Air Quality Impacts of Decomposing Algae
Something beneath the surface of the water may impact the air we breathe. Volunteers are testing the air quality around Matlacha Pass and whether decomposing algae released dangerous chemicals into the air. Sue Dahod doesn’t take her role as a Calusa Waterkeeper ranger lightly.
Guest Opinion: Will LOSOM Get the Water Right?
If you are wondering what the next Lake Okeechobee water release schedule will bring, you are not alone. The Lake schedule, being revised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), will be called the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM).
Research Shows Urea Causes Blue-Green Algae Bloom Under Certain Conditions in Lake O System
Scientists are trying to better understand what forms of nutrients fuel cyanobacteria blooms, and at least one test points to urea. A second phase of the project focuses on how Caloosahatchee water responds to various forms of nutrients in hopes of seeing which ones are capable of fueling a bloom.
What’s Wrong with the Water Around Pine Island? Groups try to Find out as People get Sick & Move
As dead fish float atop mats of putrefying algae in Pine Island-area canals, some residents with a common set of symptoms have fled to the mainland. Others have sold out and left for good. So far, state and local government and public health officials have remained silent.
Peroxide-Based Algaecide Pilot Program Underway to Combat Blue-Green Algae
More efforts are underway to keep our waterways in Southwest Florida clear of blue-green algae. The state teamed up with Israel-based company BlueGreen Water Technologies Ltd. for a pilot program to take a crack at tackling our water crisis.
Tests & Research Ongoing at $37M Water District Boma Site in Glades County
A chunk of land in Glades County that was purchased for $37 million in 2007 is being used for water quality treatment testing and will eventually be the site of a nitrogen-removal facility. But some environmental and advocacy groups want to see more done with the property.
$750,000 and 6 Tons of Algaecide Later & Toxin Warning Signs are Still up Along the Caloosahatchee in Olga
Cyanobacteria toxins around the Franklin Lock remain so high that Lee County’s health department is urging people and their pets to stay out of the Caloosahatchee’s south shore, despite repeated doses of Lake Guard Oxy, a hydrogen peroxide-based product intended to kill cyanobacteria.
Matlacha Residents Want Action Taken After Finding Thick Algae and Dead Fish
Decaying algae is coming to the surface in the backyards of some Southwest Florida residents; now it’s leading to small dead fish, and neighbors want action to be taken. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani wants to know if these particular algae are toxic.
Matlacha Residents Concerned Over Growing Algal Blooms in Canals
A disturbing sight in Matlacha canals is causing residents to rethink about getting in the water. Dead fish are popping up, floating on top of a brown substance that some are likening to muck. It’s a sight- and smell- that’s causing a disturbance on the island.
Worries About Algae Treatment After Dead Fish and Crabs Found near Franklin Lock
Some viewers have reported seeing dead fish and crabs in and around the water at Franklin Lock. WINK News sent a crew to Franklin Lock to check it out and did see one dead crab in the water. A woman says she saw a dead fish and more dead crabs near the lock over the weekend.