we are your waterkeeperProtecting the quality and health of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers and their respective watersheds in Southwestern Pennsylvania. |
Protecting our waterways for future generations to come
As your local Waterkeeper, we harness scientific data through our critical on-the-water presence and amplify our informed community voices to ensure our clean water laws are enforced and polluters are held accountable.
Programs Participants
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Hours patrolling our rivers
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Volunteer Hours
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*Tracking our impact since 2022
wE're gonna NEED a bigger boat!
Our rivers are lifelines for our environment and community—and we’re on a mission to keep them clean and thriving. To make a bigger impact, we need to grow our fleet!
More Impact – A larger boat means more room for volunteers, students, and community groups to join our efforts. Year-Round Patrols – A safer, more durable boat keeps us on the water in any conditions. Uninterrupted Protection – A second boat ensures we’re always mission-ready. |
Three Rivers Waterkeeper (3RWK) was founded in 2009 with the goal of improving and protecting the water quality of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, and their respective watersheds.
Our Mission Three Rivers Waterkeeper (3RWK) is dedicated to protecting, improving, and restoring the water quality of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, as well as their surrounding watersheds. Through science, advocacy, enforcement, and community engagement, we work to ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe water for drinking, fishing, swimming, and recreation—now and for future generations. |
Our Vision
We envision a future where the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers are drinkable, fishable, and swimmable for all. Our goal is to create a region where water is not only protected but also accessible and equitably shared among all communities.
We envision a future where the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers are drinkable, fishable, and swimmable for all. Our goal is to create a region where water is not only protected but also accessible and equitably shared among all communities.
Our Values
Get Involved & Learn more
3 Rivers Ambassadors3 Rivers Ambassadors play a vital role in preserving and restoring our local rivers and streams by gaining knowledge of our waterways and actively caring for them. To become an Ambassador, simply participate in at least one event from each of our three core pillars throughout the year.
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Community resourcesExplore valuable resources for each of the communities we serve, including water-related information and much more. Simply click on the image to visit each community’s dedicated page. If you're interested in receiving our physical cards with water-related details for any of the communities listed, don't hesitate to get in touch with us
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Threats & IssuesLearn about the critical issues threatening our local waterways and how we’re working to protect them. From pollution to habitat loss, understanding these challenges is key to preserving the health of our rivers and streams. Visit our Threats & Issues page to discover more and find out how you can get involved in safeguarding our water resources
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News & Updates

2024 Swim Guide Report
Dive into the latest updates with our 2024 Swim Guide! At Three Rivers Waterkeeper, we believe everyone should enjoy clean, safe, and accessible waterways. That's why we monitor local rivers for E. coli levels, empowering you to make informed decisions about recreation. Explore the Swim Guide to discover which spots are safest for swimming, kayaking, and fishing—because your safety on the water matters to us. Ready to learn more? Jump in and explore!
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Data & Reports
Explore the reports we’ve released over the past few years, packed with valuable insights and important findings. Stay informed and be the first to know when new reports are available by signing up for our newsletter or following us on social media. Don’t miss out on the latest updates, research, and discoveries that impact your community and the environment!
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Blog
Discover the rich history and ongoing restoration efforts of the Girty’s Run Watershed in our latest blog by Tamiya Thomas! From its deep historical roots to modern environmental challenges, learn how local communities and organizations are working to protect and revitalize this vital waterway. Don’t miss out—read now and see how you can get involved!
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View this profile on InstagramThree Rivers Waterkeeper (@3rwaterkeeper) • Instagram photos and videos