PFAS Phase 2: Tracking “Forever Chemicals” in Our Waters
In 2022, Waterkeeper Alliance launched a sweeping investigation into PFAS contamination also known as toxic “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Phase I revealed alarming levels in 83% of U.S. waterways tested, including every single sample in Chesapeake Bay region. Now Phase II digs even deeper.
With expanded testing near wastewater treatment plants and farmland treated with biosolids, the results are just as concerning and highlight growing threats to drinking water and public health. Local Waterkeepers are leading the charge to uncover the truth and push for solutions.
Click here to read our blog on the report!
Be a Scientist in Your Own Backyard
Protecting waterways doesn’t require a lab coat, just a commitment to your community and environment. Our latest blog explores how Community Science empowers everyday people to monitor water quality, track pollution, and support environmental protection efforts in their local waterways.
Learn how simple actions like reporting pollution, joining a cleanup or volunteering with your local Waterkeeper can make a real difference for rivers, streams and the bay. Read the full blog to learn more about ways to get involved with your local Waterkeeper!
Waterkeeper News!
Blue Water Baltimore, Anacostia Riverkeeper, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, and Arundel Rivers Federation
We’re incredibly proud to give a well-deserved shoutout to our coalition members Blue Water Baltimore, Anacostia Riverkeeper, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, and Arundel Rivers Federation for a major achievement in the world of community science and water quality monitoring! They are all certified as Tier 3 in bacteria monitoring – the highest standard data credibility recognized by the EPA for non-traditional monitoring organizations.
We applaud all the Waterkeepers, Riverkeepers and their team’s dedicated to science-based advocacy and community driven solutions.
Gunpowder Riverkeeper
In the Baltimore Banner article ‘They speak for the Gunpowder River. That includes warning about E.coli.’, Gunpowder Riverkeeper raised the alarm over dangerously high E. coli levels in the Gunpowder River, particularly after rainfall, warning that these spikes exceed EPA safe-swimming thresholds.
Revised Bay Agreement: Your Voice Matters
As the 2025 deadline for the current Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement approaches, a revised version is now in the works and your voice matters. The draft agreement is open for public comment through September 1, 2025.
Explore the updated goals and share your input: Planning for 2025 and Beyond
Support Us at MOM’s Organic Market 5% Day – September 17th
MOM’s Organic is donating 5% of all sales to our organization on September 17th! Every purchase supports our efforts to protect clean water and local ecosystems. Shop at participating MOM’s locations on Wednesday, Sept. 17th and share the event with friends and family.
Shop at these locations where proceeds will go directly to Waterkeepers Chesapeake, and you might just catch us there tabling!
- Frederick
- Gaithersburg
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
- Van Ness
Additional stores throughout the region will be supporting some of our Waterkeeper members, too!
Thank you to Bay Paddle!
The Chesapeake Bay Paddle set off on July 26th at Kent Island — it was the biggest race yet with 276 paddlers on the water!
We’re thrilled to see the Bay Paddle community grow and are so grateful to everyone who joined the paddle, donated, or helped spread the word. Your support means everything!
Catch the event recap here!
Around the Watershed
It’s summertime — which means it’s time to enjoy the water! Waterkeepers are hosting paddle trips, cleanups, volunteer trainings, and more all summer long. Check out the calendar of events.
Hybank River Supply Company has created a series of limited-edition prints featuring locally known and loved landmarks throughout the Bay inspired by travel posters of the ’60s and ’70s. Proceeds from your purchase of these beautiful posters will support us! Shop today!
Waterkeepers Chesapeake fights for clean water and a healthy environment by supporting Waterkeepers throughout the Chesapeake and coastal regions as they protect their communities, rivers, and streams from pollution.
For info: www.WaterkeepersChesapeake.org or email info@waterkeeperschesapeake.org.
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