What is Our Task?

To take action. For many of our activities as Surfrider activists, the positive results are not immediately obvious and at times it is difficult to feel like we are making a difference. The Blue Water Task Force was born when Surfrider Foundation activists decided that they wanted to take a hands-on approach to solving local water quality problems. We now have the benefit of regularly seeing the results of our actions and we are creating a valuable source of information that is being used to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches. Plus, there’s nothing quite like getting your hands dirty!

The program has spread throughout the country and activists from many chapters are now going out to their local beaches and watersheds regularly to sample and test the quality of the water. We personally take the steps necessary to protect ourselves and our ocean environment when our government fails to.

At the San Diego Chapter, we partner with San Diego Coastkeeper to monitor water quality in 11 watersheds in the San Diego Region. BWTF is extremely proud of our monthly water quality monitoring (WQM) volunteers and also our dedicated watershed captains, who will be recognized in the near future at our local chapter meetings. We also have volunteers work in the Coastkeeper lab to actually test the samples collected. We test for many different indicators, and the results of the monthly monitoring events are posted on the Coastkeeper wiki.

The water quality of the beaches is currently monitored by the County of San Diego, and the County is responsible for issuing beach advisories. We hope soon to contribute to these efforts and to make the results of this testing readily available to our members. Additionally, Heal the Bay issues beach report cards for all of the coastal counties in California, including San Diego.



To learn and educate. By participating in hands-on monthly field monitoring and lab testing, we learn about what it takes to determine the health of our coastal waters and what needs to be done to improve local water quality. By spreading the word about what we do, the results of our efforts, and local water pollution problems we can educate each other and the public about what is being done and what needs to be done to keep our coastal waters clean and safe for everyone. Several chapters partner with schools or other non-profit organizations to allow the BWTF program to reach its fullest Potential.

The San Diego chapter regularly hosts speakers to come to our chapter meetings and discuss water quality topics. Although we don’t currently participate in any school education programs, we have the potential to begin these. Additionally, we have a BWTF page on our chapter website where people can learn about the program and report ocean related illnesses, and this blog where local activists can post information about water pollution and local water quality related events.

To support each other and the cause. Water Monitoring is fun! And through recognition of our dedicated volunteers and participation in engaging program activities we aim to keep people motivated and excited about a task can at times be quite daunting. We will also soon be coming out with BWTF T-shirts and hats which will be given to certified WQ monitors and will be for sale at Surfrider events.