Water

Customers may notice a temporary change in the taste, odor, and color of the water, which is not harmful.

The Miami Herald reported that Florida legislators are poised to block one of the most effective tools local governments say they have to protect water quality in their communities in the face of red tide and blue-green algae outbreaks by banning rainy season restrictions on fertilizer use.

The Caloosahatchee project award was part of more than $13.6 million given for innovative technologies and short-term solutions to aid in the prevention, cleanup and mitigation of harmful algal blooms.

Southwest Lee County and Northeast Collier County are both experiencing extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Local governments are urging people to conserve water.

The issues are considered aesthetic and now harmful for drinking.

Florida Gulf Coast University began installing the base of its new artificial reef, named Kimberly’s Reef, in the Gulf of Mexico. Groups of concrete culverts will create an 11-acre underwater laboratory for scientific experimentation and research.

While water consumption in Fort Myers was at its highest in 2022 with an average 8.8 million gallons utilized each day, the 2023 peak season is proving to be even higher. Additionally, in the past week, the National Drought Mitigation Center has categorized the Fort Myers area as experiencing “moderate drought” and “abnormally dry” conditions.

Fort Myers Beach utility officials said it is recommended that water be boiled for several minutes in advance of consumption or use.

Both of the Lee County projects are anticipated to result in an estimated reduction of approximately 4,500 pounds of nitrogen per year and 420 pounds of phosphorus per year, which will decrease nutrient loading to the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary Basin.

Tonight's public meeting is about the Southeast Advanced Water Reclamation Facility (SEAWRF) Project, a Lee County Utilities project that will be built in the southeast part of the county off Alico Road.