Contamination in the Caloosahatchee and what is causing it is under the microscope after a new study from Florida Atlantic University is pinpointing what fuels our water crisis. Just as recent as last week, high levels of bacteria forced the Cape Coral River Beach to close. The FAU study shows that improperly designed and failing septic systems are leaking a lot of bacteria into the water, as well as contaminants in runoffs that contain animal waste, fertilizer, and pesticides. The study does provide options to fix the issue, such as better storm water management and improving septic systems. It even suggest switching septic systems to sewer, like the UEP project in Cape Coral. Commissioner Brian Hammon says that option would be expensive and needs further discussion. “There’s always a question whether the bacteria is coming from animals or humans and it looks like they tested for things like prescription drugs and Splenda to see if that’s present in this bacteria and if it is then I kind of lead you to believe that it could be humans causing the bacterial problems and not just animals,” said Commissioner Hamman. The meeting to discuss these possible solutions takes place Tuesday morning. WINK News will have updates when we are imformed on the lates details. If you would like to view the full report, visit the Lee County Southwest Florida website here and view the document.