Lake Okeechobee, for this time of year, is at its lowest level in 8 years

People in Southwest Florida have their fingers crossed that blue-green algae doesn’t return to local canals. Low lake levels are positive for the area, but a scientist with Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation told WINK News there is a weather maker that might change that.

Lake Okeechobee is at its lowest level in eight years, for this time of year, and the increased releases in the past month are not affecting the color of the coast of Southwest Florida Friday.

Dr. Richard Bartleson with SCCF, who has a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Studies, said the lake levels should continue to get lower.

“Because it’s an El Nino year,” Bartelson said. “We’re expecting a wetter year.”

And with more rain predicted, lowering the lake would also help organisms such as the seagrass at the bottom of the lake recover.

“They need to get the water level down, so those submerged plants can get some light,” Bartleson said. “Right now, it’s not low enough.”

Another worry includes a large rain event or tropical storm. Those would cause the lake to fill up and possibly cause the return of blue-green algae.

Local residents like Roger Barlow in Cape Coral know the negative effects of the blue-green gunk well.

“It looked like a half of an inch thick,” Barlow said. “Had big blue gobs in it and smelled like manure. It actually smelled so bad I left for a week. Came back, and it was still here.”

Barlow hopes the local waters stay healthy and free of hazardous algae.

“If [the lake] low, they’re probably not letting very much out,” Barlow said. “So that sounds good to me.”

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of the headline did not specify the lowest water level in eight years is for this time of year. There have been lower levels during other months of the year since 2010.