A cooperatively funded program between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the City of North Port will identify what is causing degraded water quality in the region. The information gathered by the program will be used to develop a water quality improvement plan.
The North Port Water Enhancement Program consists of a study that includes water sampling, data collection and analysis.
During the course of a year, monthly water samples will be taken from approximately 20 stations located in the Cocoplum canal system and Myakkahatchee Creek. The Cocoplum canal is part of approximately 80 miles of surface water canals within the city that connect to the Myakkahatchee Creek, which are both used as water supply sources by the city.
The water quality samples will be analyzed for 31 criteria, such as nutrients, metals, fecal coliform and total suspended solids. Flow and water level monitoring will be used to calculate how much pollution is in the city’s surface water system.
The study will emphasize samples taken from canals lined with homes on septic systems because these systems can contribute to water quality degradation. The study results will help planners develop a strategy to prioritize the areas of the city’s surface water system that require improvement, which will be used to determine a plan to implement water quality improvement projects.
Improving water quality in this system will improve water quality downstream, including the Myakka River and Charlotte Harbor, which is a Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) priority water body.
The Myakkahatchee Creek is the central artery of the Big Slough watershed, which flows into the Myakka River, then into Charlotte Harbor. Improving water quality in this system will also benefit local governments who use it for their water supply.
Sampling is expected to begin in February 2008 with the results of the study slated for May 2009.
The study is expected to cost $390,000. The City of North Port will contribute $195,000. The District’s share will be divided among the Manasota Basin Board and the SWIM Program.