Surfrider Miami

The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) is the Surfrider Foundation’s citizen science program which provides valuable water quality information to beach communities, raises awareness of local water pollution problems and works collaboratively with local stakeholders to implement solutions.

Surfrider’s network of volunteer-run BWTF labs measure bacteria levels at ocean and bay beaches and in freshwater sources, and compare them to the national water quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health in recreational waters.

The Blue Water Task Force program in Depoe Bay, Oregon, makes science fun and accessible for Lincoln County youth. s the state’s monitoring program is seasonal from May through September, the Depoe Bay BWTF program is currently generating the only water quality information available during the off-season at these beaches.

The Depoe Bay BWTF program is a unique collaboration between the Surfrider Foundation Newport Chapter and Neighbors for Kids, a nonpro t organization that provides students with a safe and fun learning environment after school. Surfrider volunteers collect water samples on a monthly basis from ve beaches that stretch from Depoe Bay to Road’s End State Park in Lincoln City. All water samples are then processed in a lab that is set up at Neighbors for Kids.