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Weekly Water Quality Report

Florida Oceanographic Society provides a snapshot of local water quality conditions in the St. Lucie Estuary (SLE) and southern Indian River Lagoon (IRL) using data collected by our Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Program. This report provides an overview of ecosystem health and function for the SLE and IRL and includes a summary of additional water quality conditions from publicly available sources.

Part 1: Florida Oceanographic Society's Water Quality Report

Summary of Weekly Water Quality for Habitat Health for Reporting Week

This week’s water quality grade for habitat health in the SLE and southern IRL earned a “C-” based on water clarity, oxygen content, and salinity values in 31 reports across 9 zones.

Discharges from Lake Okeechobee stayed at a 0 cfs constant schedule (current Lake Okeechobee daily status, see Table 2). Salinities across the SLE and IRL were poor – good across all zones. Figure 4 shows how these salinities affect oyster habitat health in the IRL.

Water clarity (visibility) was graded as fair – good for seagrass health across all zones within the SLE and IRL. Throughout the SLE and IRL, dissolved oxygen levels were poor – good at all sites.

Disclaimer: The data found on this report is collected by citizen scientists who volunteer their time and effort for the FOS FLOWSS program. Although the data is screened, it comes with no warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy or reliability and is intended for educational and outreach use only. Learn more about the FOS Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Program.

Part 2: Summary of Water Quality Updates Obtained from Publicly Available Sources

Table 1.  All results were within acceptable levels for enterococcus bacteria. Click for current Martin County and St. Lucie County reports.

FDEP Blue-Green Algal Blooms Report

From the week of July 14, 2023 – July 20, 2023, FDEP reported algal bloom conditions in 28 of 40 samples collected. “The most recent usable satellite imagery for Lake Okeechobee from 7/20 shows moderate to high bloom potential over most of the lake, with the most intense bloom potential along the eastern shoreline. Satellite imagery for the St. Lucie Estuary from 7/20 shows no bloom potential on visible portions of the estuary.”

For more information on current algal blooms that could potentially affect our Treasure Coast waterways, you can view FDEP's Algal Bloom Sampling Status interactive map at the link below.

SFWMD Weekly Environmental Conditions Reports

Lake Okeechobee: SFWMD reported on July 26, 2023 “Lake Okeechobee stage was 14.99 feet NGVD on July 23, 2023, which was 0.10 feet higher than the previous week and 0.62 feet higher than a month ago. Average daily inflows (excluding rainfall) increased from the previous week, going from 4,014 cfs to 4,468 cfs. Average daily outflows (excluding rainfall) decreased from previous week, going from 263 cfs to 55 cfs. The cyanobacteria index level decreased since the previous week but remained high in most areas of the Lake on July 23, 2023.”

St. Lucie Estuary: SFWMD reported that “Total inflow to the St. Lucie Estuary averaged 1,581 cfs over the past week with no flow coming from Lake Okeechobee. Mean salinities decreased at all three sites within the estuary over the past week. Salinity in the middle estuary was in the optimal range (10- 25) for adult eastern oysters.”

Table 2. Weekly average inflows into the SLE. Data reproduced from the SFWMD Environmental Conditions Report.

Reporting Observations for the Indian River Lagoon

Algal Bloom Monitoring: To report potential blue-green algal blooms, contact FDEP through their online form here or call 800-636-0511. 

Fish Kills Hotline: Please report observations of fish kills or diseased fish to the FWC Fish Kill Hotline through their online form here or call 800-636-0511. You can also download their fish kill reporting app by clicking here. 

IRL Otter Spotter Project: Have you seen a river otter?
Report it here!

IRL Diamondback Terrapin Sightings: Have you seen a diamondback terrapin?
Report it here!

Sawfish Sightings: Have you been lucky enough to spot a sawfish?
Report it here!

Dolphin Spotter: Have you seen a dolphin?
Report it here!

Horseshoe Crab Spotter: Have you seen horseshoe crabs?
Report it here!

Manatee Reporting: To report sick, injured, or dead manatees to FWC call 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922). 

Water Quality Report compiled by

Florida Oceanographic Society
890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996
Website: FloridaOcean.org

Questions? Contact our Research Department: 
Email: [email protected]
Office: 772-225-0505 ext. 114