In August, Waterkeeper programs across Maryland launched an exciting collaborative project to improve bacteria monitoring in many Chesapeake Bay tributaries. The two-year project is funded by an EPA Thriving Communities $246,241 grant awarded through the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative.
Waterkeeper programs operate volunteer-driven water quality monitoring networks that fill critical gaps in public sampling programs, particularly in locations frequently used by local residents but not consistently monitored by government agencies.
Waterkeeper monitoring programs focus on fecal indicator bacteria, specifically enterococci and E. coli. These organisms are used nationwide to assess the safety of recreational waters because they signal the potential presence of harmful pathogens. Regular sampling helps communities understand when and where water contact may pose health risks. This project will elevate the value of those datasets and make them more accessible—especially for communities facing high environmental burdens or heightened vulnerability to waterborne health risks.
“Waterkeepers provide an important public service monitoring the safety and conditions of their local waterways. Through this project, we hope to showcase their water quality programs as well as assess ways to improve bacteria water quality monitoring in frontline communities,” said Robin Broder, Acting Executive Director of Waterkeepers Chesapeake.
In Maryland, the Waterkeeper programs have 239 monitoring sites across a wide variety of waterways and communities.
Under the new initiative, participating organizations will work together to develop an online platform that serves as a one-stop hub where the public can view where monitoring is occurring, learn about the Waterkeepers’ water quality monitoring programs and why bacteria monitoring is important, and find out how to volunteer as community scientists.
“We’re thrilled to be part of a project helping unify amazing water quality monitoring programs across Maryland. The data from Assateague Coastal Trust’s bacterial monitoring program helps to keep people safe and empowers local communities to love and cherish their local waterway. By showcasing the collective sum of Waterkeeper monitoring efforts together, we can foster change at a state-wide scale,” said Taylor Swanson, Executive Director & Assateague Coastkeeper at Assateague Coastal Trust.
The project will produce a road map on how to improve bacteria water quality monitoring in Maryland, including policy recommendations and funding needs, with a special focus on the most impacted communities.
“As Waterkeepers, we have knowledge of local conditions that are often not captured completely in publically available maps and databases. This project aims to elevate hyper-local data to address community needs and chronic pollution sources through better public policy,” said Annie Richards, Chester Riverkeeper at ShoreRivers.
Bacteria Water Quality Monitoring Planning Project participating programs include: 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).
For project updates, visit https://waterkeeperschesapeake.org/water-quality-monitoring/
Media contact: Robin Broder, robin(at)waterkeeperschesapeake.org, 703-786-8172
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