Topics Under Discussion by the C

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Topics Under Discussion by the Council

Caloosahatchee Issues

Algae in the Caloosahatchee

Caloosahatchee River Minimum Flows and Levels

C-43 West Reservoir

Lake Okeechobee Operations

Reservation of Water for the Caloosahatchee Estuary

South Florida Water Management District Weekly Operations Summary

Microcystis aeruginosa in the Caloosahatchee

... Results from tests on samples taken by the SFWMD at six sites in the Caloosahatchee on September 19th showed toxin levels between 1.41 to 28.8 parts per billion. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers any sample above 1 part per billion unsafe for drinking. WHO standards for recreational bathing waters consist of a range:

relatively low risk of adverse effects: 4 ug/L microcystin
moderate probability of adverse effects: 20 ug/L microcystin
high probability of adverse effects: scums

The Florida Department of Health encourages people to not participate in recreational activities or drink water from an obvious algal bloom. Small children and pets are at greater risk because they are more likely to consume water while swimming so extra supervision is suggested.

Click here for more information and photos.

Caloosahatchee River Minimum Flows and Levels

... preventing significant harm to the river and estuary. Flows in the Caloosahatchee are naturally less in the dry months than during the rainy season. Use of the water for agricultural irrigation and public water supply often removes more water from the river than the natural system needs during the dry season. Florida law requires the water management districts to establish MFLs for surface waters and aquifers within their jurisdiction (section 373.042(1), F.S.) The minimum flow is defined as the “...limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area".

C-43 West Reservoir

... an above-ground reservoir located along the Caloosahatchee River. Maximum storage capacity is 160,000 acre-feet. Depending on storage needs, water depth will vary from 12-16 feet. The reservoir will be constructed on an 11,000-acre parcel owned by the District in Hendry County, west of LaBelle.

Lake Okeechobee Operations

...WSE, which is short for Water Supply/Environmental, is the regulation schedule that was approved in July 2000 for the regulation of Lake Okeechobee water levels. Lake releases frequently have significant impacts on the Caloosahatchee River and the estuary. The lake is in such poor health that the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District has created a new committee of its Water Resources Advisory Commission (WRAC) to make recommendations to the WRAC and the Governing Board regarding Lake Okeechobee.

The health of the Caloosahatchee and its estuary play a huge role in the quality of life we experience here in Southwest Florida. Our local economy is largely driven by tourism and development industries that rely upon thriving, beautiful natural systems.

The management decisions that are made regarding Lake Okeechobee have a tremendous impact on the Caloosahatchee and its estuary. The high river flows of recent months which are laden with nutrient-rich sediments are largely a result of water managers’ concerns that Lake Okeechobee is too full. Conversely, during the dry season each year, when flows in the Caloosahatchee are naturally less than during the rainy season, the Lake is managed with an eye toward agricultural irrigation and public water supply. Flows from the lake to the river are sometimes completely cut off.

It will be in the interest of all Southwest Florida stakeholders to follow the deliberations of this committee as it evaluates options for improving the management of the lake. Several Southwest Floridians are serving on the committee, and all meetings are open to the public. They will provide interested citizens an opportunity to learn about the current status of the lake, hear what options are under consideration for both short-term and long-term improvements to the management regime for the lake, and meet some of the Staff and Governing Board members who play key roles in the decision making process for the lake. While the focus of this committee is clearly on the lake, the implications for the Caloosahatchee must be considered.

The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced that it is beginning preparation of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule Study.

Watershed Council Letter offering comments on issues the Study should consider

Reservation of Water for the Caloosahatchee Estuary

... to protect the health of the estuary by assuring that enough water flows in the Caloosahatchee during the dry season to protect fish and wildlife. The South Florida Water Management District is in the process of establishing an Initial Reservation of water for the Caloosahatchee which will provide an allocation of currently existing water to the river at the Franklin Lock -- this water will not be available to applicants for new water use permits.

South Florida Water Management District Weekly Operations Summary

... the South Florida Water Management District issues a weekly update on water conditions and operational protocols during the rainy season in an effort to keep elected officials, county partners and others informed.

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