CAPE CORAL, Fla. - The green algae crisis led many people to the Cape Coral Yacht Club for answers. The community gathered to interact with water quality experts about the phenomenon.
Many in attendance were concerned homeowners. Michael Monahan purchased his home by a Cape Coral canal two years ago in order to enjoy the water.
Monahan's dream house took a hit when blue-green algae flowed into his canal.
"I can't go outside," Monahan said. "I have to close the shades to my sliders because the smell gets to my living room and bedroom," he added.
Water quality experts sat on a panel to inform the crowd of worried people. Daniel Andrews is apart of the Captains for Clean Water. Andrews told everyone recovery isn't an option until the root of the problem is corrected.
"Over the last 10 to 15 years, we've seen a lot of decline in the water quality here," Andrews said. "The reason it gets a little bit worse every year is because these discharges cause lasting damage," he added.
The water quality experts took the crowd through their talking points. They focused in on what they are working on.
They hope to get warning signs up faster to let people know sooner about harmful algal blooms.
They also want to make permanent changes.
"It should be a call to our policy makers to get these restoration projects authorized and funded," Andrews said. "So, this isn't something we are dealing with forever," he added.
