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 North Coast Blue Water Task Force program is run by a group of passionate local volunteers and supported by the Portland Chapter of Surfrider Foundation. Community members work closely with the students of Seaside High School collect water quality samples, and they are processed by the students at Seaside High School.