OUR PROGRAMS
At Three Rivers Waterkeeper, we are the voice for our rivers, defending clean water and healthy ecosystems for all. Together, we safeguard our waterways to ensure they thrive for generations to come. Learn about our programs that guide us toward a future where our waterways are fishable, swimmable, drinkable for all
​​COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
In order to effectively fulfill our mission, our work and people must reflect the values that cultivate a culture of respect and accountability with anti-racist practices with authentic communication. We recognize the historic inequalities associated with the environmental conservation movement, outdoor recreation, and access to waterways. Thus, we are dedicated to dismantling these systems of oppression in both the workplace and in our communities.
The work starts with us.
A WATCHDOG FOR OUR WATERWAYS
Water Quality Monitoring and Testing
Three Rivers Waterkeeper patrols and monitors our waterways for pollution by visually assessing our waters and using high-quality monitoring and sampling technologies to collect water samples for testing. As your Three Rivers Waterkeeper, we maintain a critical on-the-water presence where we focus our efforts on several forms of monitoring and testing.
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We use baseline and location-focused water quality sampling to monitor water quality and effluent industrial discharges to ensure clean water. Through monitoring and patrolling, our critical on-the-water presence deters and detects pollution. The data analysis and water quality reports and education materials from our monitoring and testing creates accessible information for evidence and is utilized by other organizations and the public. We also respond to new and known threats to our water quality to ensure that our clean water laws that protect the public and environmental health is enforced.
Programs that are focused on water monitoring include​:
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Plastics Monitoring
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Targeted Facility Monitoring
CONSERVATION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Restoring and Improving our Waterways
The perspective of our waterways requires intentional change. Through Stewardship, we involve and engage people in improving access, quality, and health of our waterways. Our stewardship work focuses on cleanups in and along our waterways and riparian restoration efforts. Stewardship activities have a two-fold investment in our region’s water quality.
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​We directly improve our region’s waterways by working to reduce and remove plastics and marine debris through cleanups and investing in future passive trash collecting systems. We also lead efforts of planting riparian plants along our waterways and on our river islands. Riparian vegetation can remove excess nutrients and sediment from surface runoff, stabilize stream banks and reduce flooding. By creating direct efforts to improve our waterways, we can increase community members’ intrinsic connections with the past, present, and future state of our waterways and move them to take action and adopt more sustainable and conservation-centered behaviors. Restoration efforts to beautify our waterways also encourage recreation unsightly trash is removed and the natural scenic beauty with vegetation restoration is showcased.
Programs that restore our waterways include:
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Trash Trapping
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6 Mile Island Restoration Work
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Deltas Restoration
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Riverfront Cleanups
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Abandoned and Derelict Vessels
GROWING THE CLEAN WATER MOVEMENT
Educating and Engaging our Communities
We educate, train, and empower community members to become water stewards— either directly through our stewardship efforts or indirectly as a voice for our rivers. Stewards create positive experiences with our waterways and instill a connection to nature among their friends and neighbors.
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​We work in coalition with numerous community members, local groups, regional organizations, and national environmental nonprofits to protect, educate, and advocate for our waterways. We give our rivers and streams a voice by empowering our communities and highlighting the value of clean and healthy waterways for all.
Programs that are community-forward include:
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3 Rivers Ambassador Program
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3 Rivers Watch​
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Colors of the River
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Ecology Walk & Talks
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Watershed Education Programs
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Community Meetings
DEFENDING WHAT
WE LOVE
Leading the Fight for Clean Water
Three Rivers Waterkeeper enforces our clean water laws and fights against deregulation. We harness scientific data from our water programs and activate our empowered voices through our stewardship and community programs to fight for our right for clean water.
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We provide technical and legal assistance, mapping tools, and access to information to community members who we empower to work towards our shared vision of fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water. We regularly review water permits, collect water quality data, and engage with regulatory proceedings and permit applications.
Programs that are advocacy-focused include:
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Monitoring permits & rulemaking impacting water quality
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Advocating for clean water rights
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Advocating for stricter regulations
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Enforcing Clean Water Laws