Security concerns over downed gate at North Cape Water Plant

A downed gate outside the North Cape Water Plant in Cape Coral is causing security concerns.

North Cape Coral is home to a reverse osmosis water treatment plant responsible for clearing water before it’s distributed throughout the city. While most of the property is gated, most of the fencing is currently damaged.

Security expert Rich Kolko says that’s concerning because it makes the facility vulnerable to potential threats, even terrorism.

“Water plants are one of the critical infrastructures as determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” Kplko said. “It requires protection; we’ve protected them since 9/11.”

One Cape Coral police officer is posted at the front entrance of the facility. Another can be found towards the back, monitoring a lot full of cars. The Cape Coral Police Department confirmed these officers are usually present during the day, but even after hours, someone always monitors the plant’s security cameras.

Although anyone can walk onto the property, Kolko says there is a low likelihood of a contamination threat.

“It would take an immense amount of material, literally dump trucks full, to have any real effect on polluting the water or poisoning the water to affect people in the community,” Kolko said.

The City of Cape Coral says the fencing was damaged during Hurricane Ian.

“Due to the increased demand for labor… the city’s ability to arrange repairs had been impeded,” read the official response. “But it’s one of their top priorities.”

Kolko says it should have been addressed sooner, though, because the gaping hole leaves a huge gap in security.

“It could be anybody just taking advantage… kids that just want to cause problems, or somebody that just wants to enter the water plant for whatever vandalism reasons,” Kolko said.