
Blue Water Task Force
Our Science-Based Approach
The Blue Water Task Force is Surfrider’s volunteer water quality monitoring program that provides critical water quality information to protect public health at the beach. Surfrider chapters use this program to raise awareness of local pollution problems and to bring together communities to implement solutions.
Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) labs measure fecal indicator bacteria levels in recreational waters and compare them to water quality standards set to protect public health. Chapter-run BWTF programs fill in the gaps and extend the coverage of agency-run beach monitoring programs by sampling ocean and bay beaches, estuaries and potential freshwater sources of pollution such as stormwater outlets, rivers and creeks that discharge onto the beach.
View Your Local Water Quality
Water quality testing provided by Surfrider's {{info.name}} Chapter

Our Local Program
Since the inception of the Blue Water Task Force program more than 25 years ago, Surfrider volunteers have been out in their communities testing water quality at the beach. Now a large national network with nearly 55 chapter-run labs, the Blue Water Task Force measures bacteria levels at more than 450 ocean, bay, estuary and freshwater sampling sites across the country. Surfrider chapters use this water testing program to raise awareness of local pollution problems and to bring together communities to implement solutions.
For more information or questions:
Pamela Conti
BWTF Coordinator: Water Sheds, Know Your H20
pconti@thepegasusschool.org



Everyone deserves access to clean water to surf, swim and play in.
Meet the Blue Water Task Force
Why Water Testing Is Important
The Blue Water Task Force provides critical water quality information to protect public health at the beach. Our labs measure fecal indicator bacteria levels in recreational waters and compare those results to local water quality standards.
Blue Water Task Force labs fill in the gaps and extend the coverage of agency-run beach monitoring programs by sampling ocean beaches, bay beaches, and potential freshwater sources of pollution such as stormwater outlets, rivers and creeks that discharge onto the beach. The Blue Water Task Force operates year-round, even through the off-season when, in many communities, lifeguards leave the beach and health officials stop collecting water samples.

General Blue Water Task Force Information
Publications
- Surfrider's 2021 Clean Water Report
- On Surfrider's Coastal Blog: Clean Water & Blue Water Task Force Stories