Elevated bacteria levels have been a problem for decades, according to a Waterkeeper report and city staff. Testing for HF183, a human DNA marker, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener, indicated human wastewater in canals. Exposure to fecal pollution can increase the risk of eye, ear, throat, skin and gastrointestinal illnesses. Testing by Lee County and the city also measures nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A sewage spill of more than 180,000 gallons into Manuel\u2019s Branch in 2020 prompted increased monitoring. Fort Myers adopted a pollution-reduction plan based on Florida Department of Environmental Protection standards, but the measures proved insufficient. City testing over the past year shows that Manuel\u2019s Branch and other canals exceed the DEP\u2019s E. coli threshold for recreational freshwater \u2014 410 colony-forming units in 10% or more of samples during any 30-day period.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what they want to see in any system in the state,\u201d Mahon said. \u201cWe are far above that, but that is the number that\u2019s set.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Testing indicates bacteria levels remain stable but elevated in Fort Myers canals, suggesting there is no single major source of contamination, Mahon said. Instead, pollution likely results from multiple factors, including trash, stormwater runoff, legacy pollutants in creek-bed sediment and wildlife.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Billy\u2019s Creek, another Fort Myers urban waterway, has long faced water-quality concerns similar to those found in Manuel\u2019s Branch, according to Calusa Waterkeeper.<\/p>\n
Evan Williams<\/p>\n
The city conducts monthly water-quality testing and has implemented trash removal and other mitigation measures. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service grant will support more intensive cleanup efforts. The grant contract was executed in April 2025, and work is scheduled from April through November in Manuel\u2019s Branch, Billy\u2019s Creek, Canal Street, Carrell, Ford Street, Shoemaker and Ballard canals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Planned work includes removing trash and debris that support bacteria growth, trimming tree canopies to increase bacteria-killing ultraviolet light exposure and dredging canals to remove sediment and restore water flow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
City staff also met with Calusa Waterkeeper representatives Feb. 17 to discuss next steps for cleanup in Manuel\u2019s Branch, Mahon said. The city requested assistance with ongoing trash removal efforts, including an Adopt-A-Canal program and a walk-the-watershed event. Officials also committed to reevaluating watershed goals through a 2026 Stormwater Master Plan update.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fort Myers City Manager Marty Lawing said the city plans to work with Calusa Waterkeeper on water-quality testing and seek guidance from Florida Gulf Coast University experts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the paradigm has changed a little bit and if everybody pulls in the right direction, we\u2019ll see some progress,\u201d Lawing said.\u00a0<\/p>\n