Surfrider Newport

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 Newport BWTF is run through a partnership with the Oregon Coast Aquarium Youth Volunteer Program and our local volunteers and members. Volunteers in the Newport community collect water samples and deliver them to the Water Quality Lab at the Oregon Coast Aquarium weekly. Youth volunteers process samples in the lab and educate Oregon Coast Aquarium visitors and volunteers about the program.