Fighting for Drinkable, Fishable, Swimmable Water
Volunteer Hours and Counting
Since 1995
Explore the Issues
Waterways around the world are under attack by pollution and mismanagement. Southwest Florida is no different.
Calusa Waterkeeper is focused on several local action items as well as state and national policies affecting our waters and quality of life.
We think you’ll agree, these are causes worth fighting for.
Learn the Issues
Recent News
Open Enrollment for Ranger Academy Training – Fall 2025
Citizens are invited to become certified Rangers and stewards of our waterways. The academy offers a comprehensive educational program aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and advocacy for clean water.
Tests flag Fort Myers drinking water in November. City tells residents in July
When drinking water tests showed positive for coliform back in November the city missed it, then asked the state to dismiss the results. The state said ‘no way’ and eight months later residents heard.
Finally ready: A giant reservoir opens just over the Lee County line. Will it be enough?
The reservoir aims to store excess water from Lake Okeechobee, and the watershed, reducing harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee and its estuary. Concerns remain about potential pollution and algae blooms within the reservoir. Experts suggest the reservoir’s capacity is insufficient and advocate for more nature-based solutions.
Calusa Waterkeeper to host Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed at July State of Our Water Event
SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis will present Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed. Come meet our new Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh, and hear our State of the Water Address. Ranger Zone Leaders will provide an update on conditions around the watershed.
Is the Caloosahatchee headed for an algae bloom? Some places already greening up
Already, cyanobacteria is blooming upriver, streaking shorelines from the rural community of Alva east of I-75 to Fort Myers Shores, some five miles from downtown.
Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) Statement on Amended Consent Order Between City of Fort Myers and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
Calusa Waterkeeper has spent years advocating about high bacteria levels in local waters Manuel's Branch and Billy's Creek. Florida Department of Environmental Protection has bent over backwards for the City of Fort Myers, and recently extended their 2021 consent...
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