Trash in the water

In Baltimore, trash in our streams and along shorelines is a highly visible source of water pollution.

Caused by illegal dumping and littering, debris in our streams is more than an eyesore. Trash in our waterways can be harmful to our health, the environment, and our local economy.

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Trash in water

Healthy neighborhoods must be clean

Because trash is so visible, many civic groups and community associations are working hard to remedy the problem. Blue Water Baltimore works side by side with them to fight the pollution caused by bottles, bags, foam containers, and other trash in our streets and streams. Our work includes outreach, education, and partnerships to focus on preventing the trash from entering the water in the first place.

Baltimore has long wrestled with how to stop the flow of trash into our waterways. Our efforts at Blue Water Baltimore aim to address sanitation problems such as the improper disposal of household waste, illegal dumping, trash on the shores, and storm drain awareness.

Solutions to reduce trash in our water

Our focus is on addressing both the systemic issues with local sanitation as well as the individual behavior change necessary to achieve the livable neighborhoods and clean waterways that all of Baltimore’s communities desire.

Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper

The Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper uses science and the law to hold polluters accountable and to ensure that the government is upholding the Clean Water Act.

Our Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper team focuses on protecting and restoring the tidal and non-tidal waterways that flow into the Baltimore Harbor and the Patapsco River.  We advocate for stronger enforcement of our laws for clean water, both locally in the Baltimore area and statewide.

Working hand in hand with our local community we amplify the voice of the people who are directly impacted by the top pollutants plaguing our City: trash, contaminated stormwater runoffsewage, and toxins.

Meet your Waterkeeper
Alice Volpitta!

Alice Volpitta has served as Blue Water Baltimore’s lead water quality scientist for nearly six years. 

Trash in the water

Baltimore improves one neighborhood at a time

Green stormwater infrastructure is a cost-effective way to combat stormwater runoff and pollution.

Green roofs, rain gardens, and pervious pavement are all examples of green stormwater infrastructure. 

Here’s how to get involved

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Stay Informed

Join our mailing list to get updated information on water qualities, on opportunities for making impact, and for special invitations to local events.

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Volunteer with us

Meet new people, explore Baltimore, and lend a helping hand as a Blue Water Baltimore volunteer to protect and improve our city!

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Become a member

A donation of any size makes you a member of Blue Water Baltimore and part of our fight for clean water and strong communities.