Yes. Our division has a group of environmental water quality samplers who observe, record, analyze and collect samples from natural systems using strict state guidelines in order to maintain the integrity of the sample. Click here to see a map of our historical and current sites.  Click here to see a video about the sampling program.

Please contact us at 239-252-2502 or pollution_control@CollierCountyFL.gov.  We have staff that will provide presentations on topics such as pollution prevention, water quality, stormwater management, etc. to your organizations such as civic association, HOA, or classrooms.

There are three different ways to submit a pollution complaint. You are able to submit a complaint on our website, send us an email, or give us a call at 239-252-2502. When submitting a complaint, be sure to provide the location of the area of concern such as an address, your name, a call back number and a description of the event you witnessed.

The laboratory analyzed approximately 72,000 samples in 2021. Our sampling team collected approximately 15,000 samples in 2021. 

Yes, the field program was granted accreditation in 2017. See accreditation here.

You can call the Red Tide Hotline at 239-252-2591 or visit our website for the most current red tide counts and information.

Members of the public and other agencies may submit a pollution complaint to Pollution Control for investigation. Pollution complaints can be related to fish kills, algae blooms, fertilizer/pesticide misuse, petroleum spills, sewage discharges, etc. Pollution Control staff investigates the causes of the incidents, monitors cleanup activities and provides education to the responsible parties.

Pollution Control implements an inspection and development review program to help reduce the risk of pollution to the County’s public water supplies, therefore reducing the cost of treatment. We inspect facilities that are located within a wellfield, or an area of land that is in close proximity to wells that supply drinking water, to ensure best management practices (BMPs) are utilized and that facilities are in compliance with all applicable regulations. We also participate in plan reviews during the site development and permitting processes for facilities proposed within the wellfield protection zones.

The Collier County Pollution Control Laboratory specializes in testing surface and groundwater for nutrients, trace metals, microorganisms and other inorganic tests in order to evaluate long-term trends, identify water quality problems and evaluate the effectiveness of the County’s groundwater protection program, as per the Lab Certification and Accreditation.

Nutrients are the biggest threat to local waterbodies, primarily because it is so common and widespread that people think of it as harmless. Too much fertilizer, grass clippings, and leaves in the water can lead to increased algae growth. This overgrowth of algae and is difficult to remedy but it's easy to prevent.