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 50+ 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 Isla Vista BWTF is made up of students at UCSB who are concerned about water quality conditions. The Isla Vista Chapter volunteers collect and process samples at their lab set up within the University of California Santa Barbara. If you are interested in getting involved, contact the local coordinator at ivsurfrider@gmail.com
