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Waterkeepers Energized After Annual Retreat
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Waterkeepers Chesapeake’s members gathered in Pittsburgh, PA on November 11 & 12 for our annual retreat prior to the Waterkeeper Alliance North American Summit. Our watershed is large, spanning multiple states, so it’s always special and inspiring when the Waterkeepers can get together in person to reconnect and share their knowledge, passion and dedication to protecting their local waterways. By sharing tools and strategies, enforcement is stronger, communities are safer, and whole watersheds benefit.
For 2026, our focus will be on enforcement and water quality monitoring. As federal protections are eroded, local action to strengthen enforcement and monitor our waters is critical. We will be rolling out new strategies and partnerships to meet today’s challenges.
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Tell EPA to Do Its Job & Protect Our Water!
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Instead of protecting our environment and public health, the EPA plans to remove Clean Water Act protections from most wetlands and seasonal streams across the country, threatening our drinking water sources.
This proposed rule is the greatest threat to our right to clean water we’ve seen in the past 50 years. We urge you to act now!
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New Collaborative Effort to Improve Bacteria Monitoring in Maryland Waters
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We have exciting news to share! Local Waterkeeper groups across Maryland are teaming up on a new two-year initiative to strengthen bacteria monitoring in our rivers, streams and coastal waters. Our Waterkeeper programs operate volunteer-driven water quality monitoring networks that fill gaps in public sampling programs, particularly in locations frequently used by local residents but not consistently monitored by government agencies. Funded by an EPA Thriving Communities grant awarded through Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, this project will make important water quality data easier to find, understand and act on.
Curious how this partnership will fill long-standing data gaps and help protect public health and local waterways? Click below to dive into the full story!👇
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EPA’s Proposed New Rule Threatens Drinking Water
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The EPA plans to strip protections from most wetlands and seasonal streams across the country, expanding the already severe losses caused by the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision in 2023. This latest rollback is part of a broader effort to weaken clean water protections piece by piece until polluters face virtually no guardrails at all. If enacted, this new rule would accelerate the destruction of wetlands, worsen water quality, and put the health of our communities — and the drinking water they depend on — at risk.
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Thank you to our Board Members!
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We want to thank Nina Beth Cardin, Elle Bassett and Tim Hill for serving on our board for the past 6 years. Their dedication and expertise guided Waterkeepers through some pivotal years and helped plan for today’s challenges.
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Give Today for Cleaner Water Tomorrow!
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You know that our Waterkeepers – working together – lean into the hard things and provide leadership when it’s needed the most.
Their local advocacy power has set national precedents with banning fracking in Maryland, passing model legislation like Maryland’s Clean Water Justice Act, securing an historic Conowingo Dam agreement for the restoration of the Lower Susquehanna River and the Bay, and being on the forefront of stopping PFAS – the forever chemicals – at its source.
To meet today’s challenges, we will show up, speak out, and help our Waterkeepers stand with their local communities to be protect their water. Make a donation today so we can stay in the fight.
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Support Us Through the CFC!
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We’re thrilled to be participating in the 2025 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the official workplace giving campaign for federal employees and retirees. This fall, you’ll find us in the CFC charity list under code #31891.
We acknowledge the challenges facing so many right now. The cuts to federal agencies and the federal government shutdown have caused stress and financial hardship on countless individuals and families.
If you’re in a position to give, we would be honored to have your support. But more than anything, we’re grateful for your continued commitment to public service and to the communities we all care about.
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Around the Watershed
Waterkeepers host events all year long — from paddling trips and river clean ups to webinars and rallies. We invite you to check out the calendar of events to sign up for something neat you!
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!
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©Copyright 2025 WATERKEEPERS® Chesapeake
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