Cape Coral residents have long struggled with the unpleasant effects of blue-green algae, which turn canals green and emit a foul smell.
WINK News reporter Amy Galo spoke with locals about a new clean water initiative that could improve the future.
A Cape Coral resident, Sue Twining, recalled the challenging conditions back in 2018.
"We were just seeing all this algae, and the smell was just horrific, and we knew that it had to be toxic for us, our animals and ourselves being here," said Twining.
Ed Roman, who lives next door to Twining, experienced similar conditions.
"It was so bad that you could walk on it," said Roman.
While the algae have since cleared, residents remain uncertain about their return.
"We often get it because we're down at the end. And usually, what happens is it comes in with the tide, and then it goes back out with the tide," said Twining.
Harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee contribute to the problem. A potential solution lies in the EAA Reservoir, scheduled for completion in 2029, five years ahead of schedule.
"I know we've heard for many, many years about this happening, yet we hadn't had anything happen," said Twining.
The EAA Reservoir aims to clean Lake Okeechobee's water before it reaches the coast.
"I'm happy about it. I'm happy that Gov. DeSantis knows that this needs to be done," said Twining.
Residents hope the governor's commitment remains strong and additional solutions are considered.
"Anything helps. So if that helps a little bit, that would be great. But I think several additional measures need to be taken in addition to that particular, you know, project," said Roman.
According to the Everglades Foundation, the EAA Reservoir will store 78 billion gallons of water, enough to supply the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for millions in South Florida.