SWFL water safe for humans, serious for organisms

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A local scientist says it is safe to go into Southwest Florida waters because test results show no threat for human health.

And while the water may appear murky in some areas, according to Mike Parsons with Florida Gulf Coast University, some of the problems that do exist are not due to water releases from Lake Okeechobee.

Much of the dark-colored water in Southwest Florida is caused by color-dissolved organic matter, which allows bacteria to fester, according to local a scientist.

Spots of thick green algae seen at Jaycee Park had many residents concerned last month . But July 14 test results did not raise any red flags for Parsons. Chemicals like ammonia and phosphorus produced significantly low levels in WINK News’ water tests, which means it would be difficult for algal blooms to flourish.

Last month, test results created concern over salinity, which posed a threat to organisms, and ammonia levels.

But one major concern Parsons had was the oxygen levels at the Fort Myers Beach Pier, the Punta Rassa Boat Ramp and the Franklin Lock. Low levels of oxygen can cause fish to die, Parsons said.

“Out of four stations, three of the dissolved oxygen levels were below 3,” he said. “That’s important because the oxygen that is dissolved in the water is where fish and the animals in the water get their oxygen. Generally speaking, when it falls below 2, they cannot breathe.”