Water main breaks, sewage overflows, and historic flooding make Suncoast waters unsafe.  

Caption: Photo sent from a concerned citizen showing sewage moving from a pipe in front of his house into the Manatee River.

After a storm like Ian, we can expect our waters to be unsafe for a few weeks.  Be careful when recreating, be sure to check with your local utility about boil water notices, and if you have a well that was flooded, be sure to check the water for harmful bacteria before you drink from it.  

Read more about the impacts of Ian on water quality in Sarasota Magazine, which features Suncoast Waterkeeper founder, Justin Bloom.