The Grand Canal is a 10 mile-long network of shallow canals that created an expansive waterfront residential community on Siesta Key. Construction first began on the feeder canal from Roberts Bay and the heart-shaped, inner loop surrounding what is known today as Palm Island in 1945 with the onset of residential development. The remaining canals were dredged in the 1950's and 1960's to provide fill for residential lots and boat access to Roberts Bay and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Since there is only one inlet to refresh the canal water through tidal exchange with Roberts Bay, the canals farthest upstream in the system undergo limited flushing. There is an advanced wastewater treatment plant that is permitted to discharge highly treated wastewater to the main canal. Although most of the shoreline has been hardened by vertical, concrete seawalls that limit shoreline habitat value, there are some unaltered areas that provide significant mangrove habitat. Wading birds, manatees, dolphins, shellfish, and numerous fish species are commonly seen throughout the canal system.
Learn more about what constitutes a bay or estuary »There are no associated names for this body of water.
Bay Condition Reports give a quick assessment of the water quality in a bay during a particular year by examining three important indicators of nutrient pollution: chlorophyll a, nitrogen and phosphorus.
Or view individual, yearly reports:
This water resource is monitored by 7 sampling locations, which have collected a total of 3,712 samples ranging from 1/11/1971 to 8/29/2016. The sites sampling this water resource are:
| Datasource (click for details) | Station ID |
|---|---|
| FDEP Historic Data from Legacy STORET | 24010534 |
| Mote Marine Historic Data from Legacy STORET | 271611082325400 |
| Mote Marine Historic Data from Legacy STORET | 271709082331100 |
| Sarasota County Coastal Creeks | GC-OO |
| Sarasota County Coastal Creeks | RBW-L |
| Sarasota County Coastal Creeks | RBW-M |
| Sarasota County Historic Data from Legacy STORET | 24010534 |
| Surface Area | 89.98 acres |
|---|
| Watershed | Sarasota Bay Watershed |
|---|---|
| Latitude | Not Available |
| Longitude | Not Available |
| Tributaries | |
|---|---|
| Passes |
Watersheds are areas of land with waterways that flow to a common destination. The boundaries between watersheds are elevated areas called divides. In this Atlas, the watersheds are composed of groups of creeks that flow to a single bay or group of bays. Drainage basins are subunits of watersheds and are defined by the main creek that flows through them. Sarasota County has five watersheds, named after the bays or river, and 28 drainage basins, named after the creeks. Stormwater improvements to reduce flooding and improve water quality are based on the drainage basin unit. Learn more about watersheds »
Grand Canal is located within the Sarasota Bay Watershed.
Specific drainage basins within this watershed include:
Who to call about environmental concerns and to report environmentally harmful activities. For potentially life threatening emergencies dial 911.
| Concern or Activity | Contact(s) |
|---|---|
| Dangerous Boating / Accidents | FWCC, Division of Boating Safety |
| Algal Blooms | FDEP 1-850-305-3903 |
| Fish Kill | FWCC, Fish Kills |
| General Concerns/Complaints |
FDEP Sarasota County Contact Centera |
| Industrial Waste/Spill | FDEP State Watch Office |
| Injured Wildlife or Illegal Activities | FWCC, Wildlife Violations |
| Shoreline Alterations, Wetland Impacts | FDEP |
| Aquatic Plant Removal | FWCC |
| Water Pollution, Residuals Landspreading | FDEP |
| Wetlands Issues/Dredge and Fill | FDEP |
Legend:
FWCC - Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
FDEP - Florida Department of Enviromental Protection
Nautical charts show water depth, the shoreline of adjacent land, prominent topographic features, aids to navigation, and other navigational information. They are maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and have recently been made available as geo-referenced, digital images which can be now be viewed within the Advanced Mapping Tool.
Every one of us contributes pollution to our streams, lakes, bays and oceans. The wastewater, dirt, and debris of our lives eventually drains downstream. Each of us must minimize our contribution to keep our waterways healthy and enjoyable. Some materials are powerful pollutants like raw sewage, petroleum, or pesticides, but even natural, biodegradable plant materials can add nitrogen to water resources and cause algal blooms and fish kills. Please use the information below to assist you in reporting an incident to the correct agency. Learn More about Reporting Pollution »
Sarasota County needs you to help manage and protect its natural resources! Fill out this form, and we will contact you with more information about becoming a volunteer. Learn more about volunteering »
0 volunteers on Grand Canal have submitted a water quality sample for this water resource within the last 18 months.
Visit the following links to view historical information on this water resource:
