Water monitoring is at the heart of our mission as Waterkeepers. By gathering information about the conditions of our local rivers, streams, and coastal waters, such as bacteria levels, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen we gain crucial insight into the health of our ecosystems and the threats they face. The Waterkeepers’ monitoring efforts extend to areas that may otherwise go untested, including places where communities fish, swim, or paddle. In doing so, they not only protect public health but also fill critical data gaps left by limited public monitoring programs. Waterkeepers also test for contaminants like PFAS the so-called “forever chemicals” and other toxics from industrial or wastewater sources, ensuring that potential dangers are identified and addressed before they become long-term hazards. We use this data to drive policy and regulatory changes to restore local waterways and protect public health.
In 2025, Waterkeeper programs in Maryland participated in a collaborative project to improve bacteria monitoring in several local waterways. The two-year project was funded by an EPA Thriving Communities grant awarded through the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative. Waterkeepers Chesapeake created Eyes of the Water story map (located below) as a one-stop hub where the public can access information on the Waterkeepers’ water quality monitoring programs and location of sites; learn about the importance of monitoring for bacteria and how to reduce risks; and contact local Waterkeepers to volunteer. Future plans for the map include adding sampling data results and expanding to Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Bacteria Water Quality Monitoring Planning Project participating programs included: Anacostia Riverkeeper, Arundel Rivers Federation (South, West & Rhode Riverkeeper), ShoreRivers (Choptank, Miles-Wye, Chester and Sassafras Riverkeepers), Assateague Coastal Trust (Assateague Coastkeeper), Blue Water Baltimore (Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper), Gunpowder Riverkeeper, Potomac Riverkeeper Network (Potomac and Upper Potomac Riverkeepers).
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