Deplorable Marco Canals

Marco Island water canals are badly contaminated with algae blooms from the elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in reused sewage water (gray water) for landscape irrigation and golf courses. 

This deplorable condition is unhealthy, unsightly, and literally stinky. Canal water oxygen levels have dropped by 70% over the past five years from the fetid blooms. 

What to do about it? 
In 2023, Marco received an engineering firm’s report that Limited Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) could remove 99% of the phosphorus at an estimated cost of $3.5 million and the nitrogen at $1.5 million. Grant funding may be available from the State for this proven but ‘innovative technology.’ If not, funding could be from Marco’s existing $43 million Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund. 
Recently, Marco has commissioned yet another study for a “full-blown” AWT. Estimates may be in the $35 to $ 50 million range, essentially crippling all progress. 

A “full blown” AWT system is not needed. Marco knows that cost-effective and affordable technology is available to clean up its reuse water. Just purge the nutrients  
Action, not stasis, is needed now!