Marco Island is a Sewage Lagoon

Marco Island canals are being used as the final step in the sewage treatment process. Sewage that is naturally high in nutrient pollution(nitrogen and phosphorus) is treated by the Marco Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Solids are extracted, the liquid is treated and released to three golf courses and the condos and hotels along Collier Boulevard as what is called “reuse” or “reclaimed” water. 

Informally known as the “purple pipes” program (the pipes are painted purple) this reduction of freshwater demand saved the Florida aquifer. Prior to implementation of this program, the Florida aquifer was dropping due to extensive fresh water use for developments, both for drinking water and for irrigation. Wells for residential homes were at risk of running dry. The “purple pipes” program used reclaimed sewage water for irrigation, reducing the freshwater demand on the aquifer. The City of Naples alone reduced their freshwater consumption by 5,000,000 gallons per day. 

There are unintended consequences. It was known when the purple pipes program was implemented that nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus) may occur if reclaimed water was overused. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Marco Wastewater Treatment Plant process removes 80% of the nitrogen from the reuse waterbut removes NONE of the phosphorus from the reuse water. The final step in removing the remaining nitrogen and phosphorus takes place with the naturally existing algae population in the canals.  

Excess nutrient pollution from the reuse water has triggered the collapse of the Marco ecosystem. Algal blooms explode in the summertime on Marco. During the month of August, life giving oxygen in the Marco canals has dropped 65%. Seagrass has died. Fish have left. Birds have left. Manatees have no food. The canals stink. The algal blooms are toxic. Property values are affected. Tourism is impacted. The lowest waterbody oxygen levels are seen on the west side of the island along Collier Boulevard, where most of the reuse water is distributed. 

The Marco WWTP is in violation of the permit issued by FDEP. Section IX.5 of the permit states “This permit does not relieve the permittee from liabilities for harm or injury to human health or welfare, animal or plant life.” The animal and plant life in the Marco canals is being destroyed by reuse water. Marco Island is effectively a sewage lagoon.