Water Quality Committee

BBECA Canal Water Quality Committee 

BBECA has had an established community Canal Water Quality Committee (CWQC) for most of the organization’s existence.  Past CWQC activities included volunteer training, cooperative water quality testing with the State of Florida and coordination with Monroe County for the installation and follow-up maintenance of the culvert on canal #11. The committee’s highest priority has been and remains community education and outreach, while identifying and implementing *Best Practices for CWQC projects. (* the definition of Best Practices is “a procedure that has been shown by research and experience to produce optimal results, and that is established as a standard suitable for widespread adoption.) 

Vision Statement:

The prime goal of the Canal Water Quality Committee (CWQC) is to work to ensure that the community’s canals and surrounding waters meet the State of Florida’s water quality standards and enhances property values and the overall quality of life in the community.

Ongoing Projects:

• Dissolved Oxygen Testing (Florida Keys Water Watch) -Volunteers perform monthly chemical testing from their adopted site for dissolved oxygen, salinity, and temperature. For info and to volunteer, contact Rick Harty ([email protected])
• Nutrient Testing (Florida LAKEWATCH) - Volunteers are trained to collect monthly samples at coastal sites to measure nutrient levels. For info and to volunteer, contact Rick Richbourg (cell: 407-492-3000).

• Aeration Project – the Water Quality committee is tracking aeration projects to educate and assist homeowners to install aeration systems.  Links to information on how to install aerators and a listing of aerators installed is posted on the BBECA website.