Three Rivers Waterkeepers is a Pittsburgh Non-Profit focused on keeping the three rivers clean and safe. They patrol the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers checking for pollution, monitoring water quality, and reviewing permits. They also educate the community on water and hold polluters accountable in accordance to the Clean Water Act.

The Three Rivers Waterkeeper boat is essential to their efforts. By patrolling the rivers they are able to identify pollution along and in the rivers. Once they detect pollution they will collect and send out the samples to be tested in a lab. Once they receive the results of the pollution they are able to start the research and a case against who may be polluting. Three Rivers Waterkeeper enforces the laws stated in the Clean Water Act. While patrolling the rivers they also check permits. There are various business and corporations along the rivers. Many of these businesses have permits that state they are able to dump a certain amount into the water system. The river keepers check the permits if they suspect the company to be out of line. Other companies may be dumping without a permit. The Three Rivers Waterkeepers would then begin a case again that corporation to be held accountable by law for their actions. In major incidents the Department of Environmental Protect (DEP) will step in and take the case.

The main threats against our water are industrial pollution and transportation of hazardous materials. These threats are the main reasons for the pollution of our waters. The contamination of the water affects the people of Pittsburgh as well as the animals and ecosystem that inhabit the waters. Industries along the river, Fracking, and the hauling of contaminants are all factors in the pollution of our water.
As a non-profit, Three Rivers Waterkeepers thrives with team volunteers. Volunteers are needed on all ends, from river patrol to community engagement. Volunteers are required to go along on patrol rides when there are samples of pollution being collected. They are needed also for community engagement. In some cases Three Rivers Waterkeepers will go into a municipal to educate the citizens on their water quality rights. They also can help with legal assistance, mapping, and technical assistance.

The three rivers are vey important to the people of Pittsburgh. The rivers not only represent our city, but they are a source of drinking water as well as recreation. The Three Rivers Waterkeepers job is to keep the water safe for the people of Pittsburgh. Having unsafe drinking water is a major probably facing our region. The waterkeepers are committed to finding the pollution and taking action against the people that are mindlessly infecting the drinking water of our rivers. With their efforts in patrolling they are able to identify areas that are unsafe. Through their community outreach the waterkeepers can educate citizens on what to look for as well as their rights to clean water. Volunteers are always appreciated in helping to make the Three Rivers safer for Pittsburghers.

Three Rivers Amuck by Slidely Slideshow

View River Violations in a full screen map