clean Water Blog
The fight for clean water happens on several fronts.
Our clean water blog helps you discover how to best make your impact.
From environmental advocacy to community organizing to DIY solutions, our blog serves as a rich resource to equip you with what you need to keep your local watershed clean.
We have over 50 years of collective wisdom and direct experience as leaders in the fight to keep the Baltimore Watershed clean. And although our core focus is issues in Baltimore and Maryland, this clean water blog can serve watershed residents across the USA.
Stay informed on the latest lessons and updates on the road to creating cleaner waterways and a greener Baltimore!


Our Clean Water Blog


What Happened during MD’s 2023 Legislative Session?
After a whirlwind 90 days, Maryland’s 2023 Legislative Session ended on April 10th. Legislators considered over 2,000 bills this session and passed several priorities from the environmental community. Blue Water Baltimore weighed in on over 30 bills that impact environmental and community health in the watersheds where we work. Read on to learn more about…



BWB and CLA File Suit Against Fleischmann’s Vinegar for Violating Clean Water Laws
BLUE WATER BALTIMORE AND CHESAPEAKE LEGAL ALLIANCE FILE SUIT AGAINST FLEISCHMANN’S VINEGAR FOR VIOLATING CLEAN WATER LAWS Blue Water Baltimore, represented by the Chesapeake Legal Alliance, filed suit todayagainst Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc. and its parent company, Kerry, Inc., for unauthorized discharge of pollutants into the Jones Falls stream, a tributary to the Baltimore Harbor…


Baltimore’s Waterways Will Not Be a Dumping Ground for Toxic Contamination
Advocates push back against an EPA mandate to accept East Palestine, OH wastewater March 25, 2023 Baltimore, MD – Blue Water Baltimore, home of the Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper, rejects the mandate from the U.S. EPA that toxic contamination and carcinogens will pass through our City and flow into the Back River from an environmental disaster…


Abundance at AVAM and the Value of Supporting Urban farms
I recently visited the American Visionary Art Museum, where there is an exhibit titled “Abundance” open through October 3rd, 2023. The two rooms contained a number of different artistic styles, with a primary focus on sculptures and two-dimensional designs. Every piece was connected by the uniqueness of the materials used to create them. Buttons, rhinestones,…


5 Easy Swaps For Healthy Waterways
The water that passes through our pipes is often forgotten about. Those who have access to safe water from any faucet don’t have to think about where their water is coming from (nor do they have to think about where it goes). However, a lot can end up in local waterways—and there are a lot…


Baltimore’s Hidden City: a conversation with Sewer author, Jessica Leigh Hester
Miles of pipes snake below our feet, teeming with activity and unwitnessed by many. While most people turn a blind eye to sewer systems, Jessica Leigh Hester traverses this concrete jungle with unwavering curiosity. The Sewer author sat down with us ahead of World Water Day to shed light on the fragility, beauty, and vitality…


Statement on Explosion and Fire at Back River WWTP
Blue Water Baltimore and Chesapeake Legal Alliance’s Statement on Explosion and Fire at Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant Baltimore, MD – Blue Water Baltimore and the Chesapeake Legal Alliance sincerely hope early reports that no one was injured in today’s explosion at Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant prove true, and that the plant is able…


Updates On Maryland’s Legislative Session
Maryland’s 2023 Legislative Session started on January 11th and will continue until April 10th. During these 90 days, legislators are considering thousands of bills. Blue Water Baltimore is providing input on dozens of bills this session that will impact environmental and community health in the watersheds where we work. Below is some information about a…


Beating the Winter Blues at Herring Run Nursery
By Nursery Manager Rob Jenkins I am often asked “What does the nursery do during the winter?”. My answer is . . . .not much, but lots! The reality is a little complex. While the nursery closes for the season at the end of November, our work is not done. All of the native plant…



BWB and CLA Issue Notice of Intent to Sue
BLUE WATER BALTIMORE AND CHESAPEAKE LEGAL ALLIANCE ISSUE NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUE FLEISCHMANN’S VINEGAR FOR VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL AND STATE CLEAN WATER LAWS Blue Water Baltimore, represented by the Chesapeake Legal Alliance, today issued a Notice of Intent to bring a lawsuit against Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc. over its continued unauthorized discharge of pollutants…


Baltimore’s Sewage Issues Are Rooted in Racial Injustice
By Matthew Price As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and the progress toward racial justice in the U.S., we must honor King’s legacy by acknowledging the long road left ahead and recommit to fighting for racial justice everyday. In Baltimore, racial inequity continues to affect everything from life expectancy rates to commute times. And…


Take Action! Ban Plastic Bags in Baltimore County
We’re just a few weeks into 2023, and there are already so many exciting advocacy initiatives to support! As Maryland’s state legislative session gets underway this week, the Baltimore County Council is also starting the year off strong by introducing a bill to ban plastic bags. Read more about this bill below and take action…
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