In Their Own Words:

Founded in 1999 by environmental attorney and activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and several veteran Waterkeepers, Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement of on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers, streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.

Waterkeepers combine firsthand knowledge of their waterways with an unwavering commitment to the rights of their communities and to the rule of law. Whether they’re on the water tracking down polluters, in a courtroom advocating for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, in a town meeting rallying community support, or in a classroom educating young people, Waterkeepers defend their communities against anyone who threatens their right to clean water—from law-breaking polluters to unresponsive government agencies.

Made up of nearly 200 local Waterkeeper organizations—employing more than 400 full-time and 200 part-time environmental activists, educators, scientists and attorneys— Waterkeeper Alliance keeps Waterkeepers connected, provides them with legal, scientific and communications support, and unites their voices as they take on major global water issues together.

What They Do:
Waterkeeper Alliance is among the world’s fastest growing environmental organizations, with nearly 200 local Waterkeepers patrolling rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on six continents.

Waterkeepers defend their communities against anyone who threatens their right to clean water. Through Waterkeeper Alliance, Waterkeepers speak with a single, powerful voice as they tackle the world’s most pressing water issues. The Alliance stands behind every Waterkeeper, increasing their ability to function as community defenders in their efforts to protect the world’s waterways.

They connect individual Waterkeepers to each other, and support them by providing expertise in science, law, strategic planning and communications, making them more effective in their communities’ courtrooms and classrooms, and in the media.

What You Can Do:
- Sign Up to receive the email newsletter and periodic updates about imporant issues that threaten your right to clean water.
- Take Action Now to make your voice heard on important legislative and regulatory issues.
- Support Us -- There are many ways to get involved and to support
the work of our local Waterkeeper programs and Waterkeeper Alliance.
- Become a Waterkeeper and become a part of the fastest growing environmental movement in the world, dedicated to clean and healthy waterways.