SCCF Gives Council A Water Quality Update

by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Research Associate Mark Thompson presented the Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report, Lakes, Canals, and Groundwater Monitoring, to the City Council.

The report covered 42 lake sites, 11 canals, and six groundwater monitoring wells from January through October 2025.

In summary:

· Lake’s water quality seems to be improving from post-Ian lows. But still poor.
· Canal water quality is about the same and very similar to estuary water quality.
· Average lake salinity came down post Milton. Still salty – but rainy season will help.
· Sanibel slough salinity is low enough to support cichlids again.
· Groundwater levels are very low and salty, below mean sea level, for most of the dry season. Saltwater intrusion potential.
· Sanibel slough and groundwater are closely related. When the slough is below sea level, groundwater is also below sea level.

The entire report can be read here.