Sewage from septic systems could be contributing to Indian River Lagoon pollution

VERO BEACH, Fla. — On the Indian River Lagoon, in the north side of Vero Beach, charter boat captain Paul Fafeita said if the water looks blue, it's just a reflection of the summer sky.

Under the surface, he said, the water is muddy and brown.

"We take people fishing and the first thing we have to do is apologize," Fafeita said.

Longtime kayaker Jean Catchpole sees water quality worsening.

"After heavy rains, you can see a change in the color of the water," Catchpole said. "It turns brown."