An edition of: WaterAtlas.org Presented By: Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, USF Water Institute
View an analysis of water quality trends over a ten-year period, showing areas of improvement and decline.
Examine hydrologic data for the 90-square-mile area of flatwoods east of Charlotte Harbor.
Learn about CHNEP's Habitat Restoration Needs (HRN) Plan for guiding habitat preservation/conservation, connectivity, management, restoration, sustainability, and resiliency in the CHNEP area.
More clams would improve water quality. But in which areas would clam restoration have the best chance of success?
What Charlotte County habitats are most valuable for juvenile tarpon and snook? Which are good targets for restoration? Results of a recent study are here.
Though the lake is outside the CHNEP area, its condition directly affects the ecological health of the entire Caloosahatchee River and its watershed.
Learn about the six Aquatic Preserves in southwest Florida, their protection and management.
Climate change will have a profound effect on coastal southwest Florida. Use this tool to see how habitats are predicted to shift over time, as sea levels rise.
View current water quality conditions for lakes, rivers and bays utilizing new dashboard technology that features dynamic maps, filters and gauges.
This interactive map brings all water resource-related information together in one place
Discover the beauty and importance of seagrass habitats.
Use this interactive map to find data from continuously-reporting monitoring stations
Use this tool to graph water resource data and to download data for your own analysis
This quick-analysis tool estimates whether nutrient levels in each waterbody are meeting or exceeding regulatory limits.
Visualize spatial and temporal changes in important water quality measures
View current water quality conditions for lakes, rivers and bays utilizing new dashboard technology that features dynamic maps, filters and gauges
Learn about coastal conditions that are of special concern to beachgoers, boaters, and fisherman, and how to find out the latest status.
View the geographic distribution and variability of rainfall amounts, access statistical rainfall summaries, or download rainfall data
Search our library of water-related documents, maps, websites, videos and organizations
Find information to help homeowners, businesses, and contractors reduce stormwater pollution
Search the Water Atlas library using keyword(s) and an interactive map
Learn about the six Aquatic Preserves in southwest Florida, their protection and management
Check this list to find out who to call to report problems or to ask questions about rules, regulations, and permitting
Be informed about important water-related news
Use this calendar to find opportunities for recreation, volunteering, and citizen participation
Watch these videos to learn how to protect and enjoy CHNEP's waterways
See recent and historic photos of area waterways, submitted by Water Atlas sponsors, partners and users
Learn about opportunities to participate in watershed improvement and restoration projects
Learn about neighborhoods that are actively involved in projects to improve water quality and habitat diversity
Learn about a cooperative volunteer program whose members collect water quality data from around southwest Florida
Learn about the Lee County Hyacinth District's program to help homeowners manage stormwater ponds sustainably
Learn how you can help CHNEP to enhance and restore self-sustaining oyster habitat and related ecosystem services
See a water quality problem happening? Report it here.
Do you have old photos or documents, or an interesting water-related story to tell? Submit them here.
Suggest web links or videos, submit documents, or provide contact information for people or organizations
When, Why, and How to Contact Whom Regarding What
Who to call about environmental concerns and to report environmentally harmful activities.
For potentially life threatening emergencies dial 911.
The operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident where there is personal injury beyond immediate first-aid, death, disappearance of any person under circumstances which indicate death or injury, or if there is damage to the vessel(s) and/or personal property of at least $2,000, must, by the quickest means possible, give notice to one of the following: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred, or the police chief of the municipality in which the accident occurred, if applicable.
FWCC, Division of Boating Safety
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 regardless of county/location.
Sheriffs' Offices (non-emergency):
A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is the proliferation of a toxic or nuisance algal species that negatively affects natural resources or humans. HABs can occur in both inland and coastal waters. In coastal waters they are often referred to as "Red Tides", regardless of whether water is discolored or of which algal species is involved.
Fish kills, diseased fish, or fish with high numbers of parasites may be an indication of a localized environmental problem.
Address miscellaneous questions or concerns to these state and local environmental contacts.
Do not walk or drive through a vapor cloud or spill. Pay attention to any placards – diamond shaped panels with numbers and/or symbols on them. Provide the placard number to authorities. The most important step to protect yourself and others is to avoid or reduce exposure to the chemical.
For emergencies call 9-1-1
Reports of fish, wildlife, boating, or environmental law violation.
FWC, Wildlife Violations 1-888-404-3922 via cell phone, dial *FWC or #FWC depending on service carrier, or text reports to Tip@MyFWC.com You may make a report and remain anonymous. To be eligible for a reward, you must obtain a confidential code number from FWC. To report a nuisance alligator, call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286)
Maintenance of a vegetated upland margin and a shallow subtidal margin is important to fisheries resources, water quality and minimizing wildlife disturbance. Shoreline vegetation in general, and mangroves in particular, may reduce the loss of property and lives in the event of a storm.
A permit is required to "control, eradicate, remove, or otherwise alter" aquatic plants in all surface bodies of water, except for those wholly owned by one person and not connected to any "Waters of Special Concern".
FWC:
The practice of disposing of biosolids from septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems is regulated at the state or county level, and is prohibited entirely in some counties.
