Advocates push for specific warnings to report fecal bacteria levels in local waters

LEE COUNTY – Clean water advocates are pushing for more specific warnings to be posted when high levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are found in local waterways.

You might not see it or feel it, but certain events can raise FIB levels. Sewage spills, aging pipes, and storm runoff can lead to a higher level of fecal matter in our waterways.

The state does test for FIB but it can be smelled if levels are high enough.

“There’s places launching out of Alva that I know, there’s fecal matter in the water,” Janet Wilson said “because you can smell it up from the creeks.”

Water advocates like John Cassani with Calusa Water Keepers say health agencies should put up specific signs for fecal bacteria levels.