Mission

Monterey Waterkeeper protects and restores fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters within the Monterey Region and along California's Central Coast for all to enjoy.

The Big Idea

We collaborate with Monterey County residents, including low-income communities of color in the Salinas Valley whose drinking water is contaminated by fertilizer nitrogen and pesticides, to advocate for statewide pollution limits that will protect the health of all Californians.

We work with local agencies to ensure a clean, swimmable, and fishable Salinas River for all. In 2024, we began monthly community water quality monitoring for the Salinas River, much of which is heavily polluted from agricultural runoff.

We also lead outdoor education trips to the Salinas River, Elkhorn Slough, and Monterey Bay for 4-8th grade youth and families in Monterey County. During these outings, youth conduct water quality testing, discuss the human and ecosystem impacts of water pollution, and learn ways they can protect their water. Since 2022, we have engaged 353 youth and families in our education program. Our goal is to inspire 300 more water leaders by 2025.

Monterey Waterkeeper is extremely effective at moving forward progressive water policy that protects the residents and the environment of the Central Coast. Their work teaches families about our precious water including our lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Monterey Waterkeeper’s beneficial work assisting environmental justice communities such as the San Jerardo Cooperative in fighting for clean drinking water is invaluable. I am a proud supporter of Monterey Waterkeeper.

- Margie Kay