we are your waterkeeperProtecting the quality and health of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers and their respective tributaries and watersheds in Southwestern Pennsylvania. |
wE NEED YOUR HELP!Our rivers are lifelines for our environment and community—and we’re on a mission to keep them clean and thriving. To make a bigger impact, we need to grow our fleet!
More Impact – A larger boat means more room for volunteers, students, and community groups to join our efforts. Year-Round Patrols – A safer, more durable boat keeps us on the water in any conditions. Uninterrupted Protection – A second boat ensures we’re always mission-ready. |
VolunteerI'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Just click me to add your own content and make changes to the font.
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Get InvolvedI'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Just click me to add your own content and make changes to the font.
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ABOUT US
about us |
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Three Rivers Waterkeeper (3RWK) was founded in 2009 with the goal of improving and protecting the water quality of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, and their respective watersheds. Our mission is to protect these waterways, which are essential to the health, vitality, and economic prosperity of our region and communities. Our vision is to have drinkable, fishable, swimmable water in these rivers and their watersheds for everyone to enjoy.
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Our Mission
Three Rivers Waterkeeper (3RWK) is dedicated to protecting, improving, and restoring the water quality of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, as well as their surrounding watersheds. Through science, advocacy, enforcement, and community engagement, we work to ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe water for drinking, fishing, swimming, and recreation—now and for future generations.
Our Vision
We envision a future where the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers are drinkable, fishable, and swimmable for all. Our goal is to create a region where water is not only protected but also accessible and equitably shared among all communities.
Our Values
To fulfill our mission, we uphold the following core values:
Three Rivers Waterkeeper (3RWK) is dedicated to protecting, improving, and restoring the water quality of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, as well as their surrounding watersheds. Through science, advocacy, enforcement, and community engagement, we work to ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe water for drinking, fishing, swimming, and recreation—now and for future generations.
Our Vision
We envision a future where the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers are drinkable, fishable, and swimmable for all. Our goal is to create a region where water is not only protected but also accessible and equitably shared among all communities.
Our Values
To fulfill our mission, we uphold the following core values:
- Environmental Justice – We recognize and challenge historical inequalities in conservation, outdoor recreation, and water access.
- Equity & Inclusion – We are committed to dismantling systems of oppression within our organization and in the communities we serve.
- Scientific Integrity – Our work is rooted in rigorous research, data collection, and transparent decision-making.
- Respect & Accountability – We foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and authentic communication in all that we do.
- Community Empowerment – We believe in equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their water rights.
Who We Are & What We DoFounded in 2009, Three Rivers Waterkeeper serves as both a scientific and legal advocate for our waterways, holding polluters accountable and empowering communities to protect their right to clean water. Our work is grounded in research, policy enforcement, environmental justice, and education.
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Monitoring & Water Quality Protection
We conduct regular water quality testing and pollution monitoring across the three rivers to identify contamination sources and assess ecosystem health. Through our Waterkeeper Patrol Program, we actively monitor industrial facilities, sewage overflows, and stormwater runoff—ensuring violations are reported and addressed.
Legal & Policy Advocacy
We fight for strong environmental protections by:
- Enforcing the Clean Water Act and holding polluters accountable.
- Working with policymakers to push for regulations that safeguard water resources.
- Advocating for community-driven solutions to water-related challenges.
Community Engagement & Education
We believe that knowledge is power. Our educational initiatives include:
- Workshops and public outreach to teach residents about water quality and pollution threats.
- Citizen Science & River Monitoring programs, where volunteers help collect water samples and report pollution.
- Youth education programs that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Environmental Justice & Equity
Access to clean water is a fundamental right, yet historically marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by pollution. We actively work to dismantle systemic barriers that limit access to safe waterways by:
- Partnering with community organizations to address environmental injustices.
- Advocating for policies that ensure equitable water access for all.
- Providing resources and support to communities affected by contamination.
We Are Part of a Global Movement
As a proud member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, we stand alongside over 300 organizations worldwide that are fighting for clean, healthy, and abundant water. Together, we patrol and protect more than 2.5 million square miles of rivers, lakes, and coastal waterways across six continents.
PROGRAMS
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News & Updates

2024 Swim Guide Report
Dive into the latest updates with our 2024 Swim Guide! At Three Rivers Waterkeeper, we believe everyone should enjoy clean, safe, and accessible waterways. That's why we monitor local rivers for E. coli levels, empowering you to make informed decisions about recreation. Explore the Swim Guide to discover which spots are safest for swimming, kayaking, and fishing—because your safety on the water matters to us. Ready to learn more? Jump in and explore!
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