About Miami Waterkeeper
"Our mission is to protect South Florida's waters by advocating for resilient solutions grounded in science, rooted in nature, and driven by community."
Clean Water
Miami Waterkeeper safeguards South Florida’s waterways by preventing pollution, tackling fertilizer runoff, sewage spills, and septic tank failures that cause algae blooms, and pushing back against weaker water quality rules. They monitor and report water quality through regular testing and Swim Guide updates, while also using litigation to hold polluters accountable. Their work includes addressing risks from stormwater runoff and Miami’s aging nuclear plant. Beyond enforcement, they invest in the future through public training programs like 1000 Eyes on the Water and the Junior Ambassador program, which empower citizens and youth to lead in protecting clean water.
Habitat Protection
Miami Waterkeeper works to protect and restore South Florida’s critical ecosystems—coral reefs, mangroves, wetlands, and seagrasses—which provide shoreline protection, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and defense against storms. They highlight the value of the Florida Reef Tract, the only nearshore U.S. reef and a natural flood barrier, along with mangroves and seagrasses that serve as powerful “blue carbon” sinks. Many of these habitats are threatened by pollution, sewage leaks, and coastal development. To safeguard them, Miami Waterkeeper engages in science, policy, and education: monitoring water quality, litigating against illegal destruction, supporting coral restoration, and enforcing environmental laws. Their efforts strengthen clean water protections, enhance climate resilience, and ensure these ecosystems continue to provide vital services.
Sea Level Resiliance
Miami faces intensifying climate and infrastructure challenges—rising seas, failing stormwater and sewage systems, compromised septic tanks, and risks to the Turkey Point nuclear plant. These failures fuel worsening pollution, while Biscayne Bay suffers massive habitat losses, algae blooms, and fish kills that threaten both quality of life and the local economy. With over 400% more flooding events since 1996 and ecosystems declining by more than 80%, the region is at a crossroads between short-term fixes and sustainable solutions. Miami Waterkeeper advocates for resiliency that prioritizes the environment and equity, successfully opposing destructive projects like the Army Corps’ proposed seawall in favor of nature-based, community-centered alternatives.
Events
Miami Waterkeeper hosts a mix of educational, advocacy, and hands-on community events designed to protect clean water and engage the public. These include:
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Cleanups & Restoration
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Training & Advocacy
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Community Engagement
Together, these events combine science, policy, and public participation to build a stronger, better-informed movement for clean water and resilient ecosystems.
How Does RidgeRock Support Miami Waterkeeper?
Partners in Miami Waterkeeper’s PartnerSHIP program support the organization by providing financial backing, volunteer power, and community visibility that amplify its mission. Through sponsorships, employee engagement, co-hosted events, and in-kind contributions, partners help fund water quality monitoring, advocacy campaigns, habitat restoration, and education programs. We work together as environmental stewards and collaborators in building a more resilient, sustainable, and water-secure South Florida.
RidgeRock Outing Club proudly partners with Miami Waterkeeper to defend clean water. Your donation fuels the science, advocacy, and education needed to protect Biscayne Bay and beyond. Alongside our organizational support, we invite you to give individually. Together, we can turn the tide.