The Surfrider Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, waves and beaches, today released its annual Clean Water Report that highlights how volunteers are taking action year-round to protect public health and clean water. Surfrider’s two clean water programs, Blue Water Task Force and Ocean Friendly Gardens, are conducted in local communities nationwide to provide solutions to water pollution and protect our waterways for the future.
The public can find out where it’s safe to surf, swim or play in the water by checking the results of Surfrider’s 40 Blue Water Task Force labs across the country. Last year, the Surfrider network processed 6,097 water samples collected from 446 diverse sampling sites. Surfrider’s annual Clean Water Report also features case studies of volunteer-led efforts in locations including Oregon, Hawaii, and hurricane-impacted regions of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
“In areas like Puerto Rico, where government-run water testing programs were completely absent for up to three months after a devastating natural disaster, Surfrider’s efforts are even more important as our network of volunteers are stepping up to take action and protect public health and clean water,” said Mara Dias, Surfrider’s Water Quality Manager. “In fact, Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force program expanded by 18% last year and we’ve already brought on four new labs in 2018.”
The Surfrider network is not only testing the water, but also leading the Ocean Friendly Gardens program across the nation. By applying the three principles of conservation, permeability and retention (CPR), Surfrider volunteers are transforming landscapes and hardscapes into sustainable and ocean-friendly solutions. Last year, more than 50 Ocean Friendly Gardens were installed in coastal communities by the Surfrider network to reduce urban runoff pollution and protect clean water.
Surfrider chapters are successfully working on the ground to create scalable change to protect public health and clean water. To get involved, visit Surfrider.org, or find out more in Surfrider’s Clean Water Report.
Links
https://go.surfrider.org/clean-water-report
