Lee County Hyacinth Control biologists explain nutrient levels in stormwater ponds to citizens
Featured in this article and video from NBC2 in Sarasota is FLMS Board member Ernesto Lasso de la Vega of the Lee County Hyacinth Control District.
Lee County Hyacinth Control biologists explained that nutrient levels in stormwater ponds can impact waterways all over Southwest Florida.
Ashley Dyer, NBC-2, July 13
LEE COUNTY, Fla. – When too many nutrients flow into the Caloosahatchee River, or into our canals, that cause aquatic weeds to overgrow and can trigger algae outbreaks.
Did you know the same is true for our stormwater ponds?
Thousands of these man-made ponds in Lee County help with flooding.
Lee County Hyacinth Control biologists explained that nutrient levels in stormwater ponds can impact waterways all over Southwest Florida.
Stormwater ponds collect rainwater and runoff from places like roadways and rooftops. Over time, when it floods, that water runs into other ponds and eventually into our canals.
An excess of runoff into stormwater ponds can cause algae outbreaks and even fish kills which is why Lee County Hyacinth Control created the Pond Watch Program.
The program keeps track of more than 100 stormwater ponds throughout the county. Every month, volunteers bring in samples from different ponds so nutrient levels can be monitored.
There is a process to do this: First, salinity levels are measured from each sample. Then, a chlorophyll analysis filters out algae from the sample of water. Once the algae is filtered onto a small piece of paper, it’s placed into a test tube with acetone.
From there, a machine called The Vortex dissolves that piece of paper so the chlorophyll can be measured. If nutrient levels are too high, biologists will help community members put different solutions in place to get their ponds back to healthy levels.
“There have been meetings with our landscaping companies that they are not to put fertilizer closer than 8-10 feet from the shoreline,” Pete Kurowski, a member of the Pond Watch Program, said. “When they weed whack, they have to weed whack so the cuttings go onto the grass and not the water.” If you notice fish kills or excessive algae growth on ponds in your community, that may be a sign of too many nutrients in the water. To sign up for the Pond Watch Program, click here.