The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has resumed discharges west; what will that do to the estuary?     Discharges to the Caloosahatchee: Good or bad? After last week’s newsletter asking if our discharge crisis was over, we got lots of feedback from readers along the Gulf coast who said the answer was “no.” While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers halted discharges from Lake Okeechobee east to the St. Lucie River, the Corps resumed discharges west to the Caloosahatchee, and as of April 13 these flows are to average 2,000 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) for the foreseeable future. That’s bad, right? Well, it's complicated. The Caloosahatchee needs some water from the lake — but not too much. Corps officials say renewed flows can help alleviate stagnant conditions that are allowing blue-green algae to grow. But as the annual algae bloom on Lake O intensifies, will toxins be discharged into the estuary — and will the Corps have the flexibility to close the floodgates if that happens? For a more detailed look, follow the link below. READ MORE AT VOTEWATER.ORG PLEASE DONATE AND HELP US HOLD POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABLE Still time to register for today's Right to Clean Water livestream! VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart will be part of a livestream discussion on renewed efforts to get a Right to Clean Water Constitutional Amendment on the 2026 Florida ballot. The livestream starts at noon today, Thursday, April 18, and is hosted by our friends at Friends of the Everglades. Also joining the discussion: Eve Samples, Friends' Executive Director; Joe Bonasia of Florida Right to Clean Water, Matt DePaolis of Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce. Register for the event at the link below. And if you haven't yet printed out a petition, signed it and returned it — click here.   REGISTER FOR THE LIVESTREAM DISCUSSION Things are getting meaner and greener Meanwhile, a blue-green algae bloom in the Caloosahatchee appears to be growing, with the state Department of Health in Lee County issuing a warning for the Alva Boat Ramp after tests showed toxins in the water. The department is also warning about blooms at the Palace Grand Canal, Walpole Canal and Whiskey Creek at the Winkler Road Canal. In the St. Lucie, the Florida Department of Health in Martin County recently issued advisories for Lake Okeechobee at the S-135 Lock (J&S Fish Camp); the Rim Ditch/L-47 Canal at the S-135 Lock upstream; and the St. Lucie/C-22 Canal near Port Mayaca Lock and Dam. But these aren’t the only places in Florida seeing blooms. Lake O itself is seeing bloom conditions expand, as has become an annual tradition at this time of year; the Pahokee Marina recently recorded toxic microcystin levels of 12 parts per billion, well in the "hazardous" range. And blooms are being reported on numerous other lakes around the state, according to the Florida DEP’s weekly update. It will get worse before it gets better. But with your help, it can get better. The fight for clean water and political accountability needs your help! Taking on Big Sugar, following the "dirty money" and keeping you informed on clean-water topics is a juggling act — and we rely on you to help us keep all those balls in the air. Your generosity powers our drive for better policy and policy-makers. Please consider making a donation or becoming a member today. DONATE BECOME A MEMBER VoteWater 3727 SE Ocean Blvd Suite 200-A Stuart, FL 34996 | (772) 212-2939 VoteWater | 3727 SE Ocean Blvd, Suite 200-A, Stuart, FL 34996 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!