FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Rick Diaz or Patty DiPiero, Lee County Utilities
                (941) 479-8181

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 16, 2001) – Follow-up tests of the algae bloom in the Caloosahatchee River affecting Lee County Utilities’ Olga Water Treatment Plant show five potentially toxic species, but in such low levels that it does not pose a public health risk, especially after the water is treated at the treatment plant.

Lee County Utilities shared the test results with The Department of Health. Test results indicated that the water is safe to drink. Lee County Utilities did the additional testing to ensure the quality of its treated water. The bloom caused the "earthy, musty" taste and odor in the water last month. Currently, the conditions in the river have greatly improved due to the increased amount of rainfall over the past few weeks.

The sample sent away for testing was taken during the height of the algae bloom on May 24. Test results showed that a total of 110.6 units per milliliter of potentially toxic algae were found in the Caloosahatchee River. There also were two samples taken from the taps of homes that receive water from the Olga Plant on May 25. The results were 0.5 units/ml and 0.3 units/ml for Tap #1 and #2, respectively.

Due to the low levels of the amount of algae found, the only testing performed on the samples were identification and enumeration. These tests allowed Lee County Utilities to know what type of algae were in the water and the amount of algae present. Currently in the Unites States, the Environmental Protection Agency does not have any type of rules regulating the amount of algae in source or finished waters. The only country with such guidelines is Australia. For comparison purposes, Australia’s alert levels for algae in source water are:

Alert Level 1 is reached when algal counts are 500-2,000 units/ml. This level then calls for increased monitoring frequencies to monitor the algal bloom.

Alert Level 2 is reached when algal counts are 2,000-15,000 units/ml and the algal species is one that is potentially toxic. Monitoring is increased and consultation with health agencies is recommended.

Alert Level 3 is reached when algal counts are in excess of 15,000 units/ml and the bloom is widespread throughout the body of source water. Toxicity testing is performed and the users are notified of the toxic status. At this level, if toxin levels increase, the utility should switch to an alternative supply.

The county currently is in the process of designing and constructing a new North Lee County Water Treatment Plant in North Fort Myers that will replace the Olga Plant in times of drought. The new plant will process potable water by drawing brackish water from the Lower Hawthorne Aquifer and treating it through a reverse osmosis process. The new, $25-million plant is in the pre-design and permitting stages and is expected to come on line during 2003.