DEP, Lee County and Cape Coral to Conduct Dye Study in Cape Coral Waters

CAPE CORAL – On Tuesday, April 19, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in coordination with Lee County and the City of Cape Coral, will conduct a dye study of local waters in Cape Coral. Dye will be released the morning of April 19 downstream of the Gator Slough Weir at Burnt Store Road. The dye will be transported with currents on an outgoing tide and will be tracked by DEP staff stationed throughout the North Spreader Canals.

Residents are advised that canals within the North Spreader system west of Burnt Store Road and northern Matlacha Pass may appear discolored during the day of testing. The dye will become diluted within several hours and is expected to be unnoticeable by the end of the day. Dye should not persist longer than 24 hours.

The dye poses no risk to human health or the environment. This is not a biological algae bloom.

The objective of the dye study is to assess hydrologic conditions within the North Spreader Canal system. The movement of dyed water will provide scientists and resources managers with information on how water flows within the North Spreader Canal system. “This effort will test scientific modeling efforts in the area that will provide information for water quality improvements,” said Jon Iglehart, Director of District Management for DEP’s South District.

For questions or concerns about this study effort, please call the DEP South District Office at (239) 344-5600.