Collier County Waterkeeper
Protecting Our Waters—Swimmable, Drinkable, and Fishable for All
About Us
Collier County Waterkeeper is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every waterway in Southwest Florida is drinkable, swimmable, and fishable.
Our mission is to protect and restore the waters that sustain our community — from the Ten Thousand Islands to Naples Bay — through a combination of education, outreach, and scientific research.
We support a vibrant and resilient Southwest Florida by focusing on:
Water testing for SwimGuide.org
Artificial reef monitoring and placement
Community cleanups and environmental education
Our vision is simple: a clean, healthy, and resilient coastal ecosystem that supports marine life, local recreation, and the economy for generations to come.
Our Mission
Clean Water for All
Collier County Waterkeeper tests local waterways and reports results directly to Swim Guide, helping residents and visitors know when the water is safe for swimming and recreation.
Beyond monitoring, we actively work to protect and restore marine habitats by caring for Collier County’s artificial and coral reefs, ensuring the ecosystems they support — from fish to sea turtles — remain healthy.
Through science, education, and community engagement, we empower citizens to become stewards of the waterways that define Southwest Florida’s identity and economy.
Our Approach
We combine education, outreach, and scientific research to create lasting impact:
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Education
Teaching the next generation the value of clean water through hands-on learning and environmental programs.
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Outreach
Engaging residents, local leaders, and volunteers to take action for our waterways.
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Science
Using data-driven methods to identify pollution sources, monitor changes, and measure restoration progress.
Our Core Programs
Water is vital to Collier County’s culture, economy, and ecology. From the Everglades to the Gulf of Mexico, our ecosystems protect shorelines, nurture marine life, and provide natural storm defenses.
Collier County Waterkeeper works at the intersection of science and policy to protect these resources for the future—because a resilient coast begins with clean, living water.
Water Testing & Reporting
Our volunteers and scientists collect and analyze water samples from local beaches, canals, and estuaries.
We share this data with the public via SwimGuide.org, providing real-time information on water safety and pollution risks.
By making this data accessible, we help residents make informed decisions and hold polluters accountable.
Artificial Reef Monitoring
Healthy reefs are essential for a thriving marine ecosystem.
We monitor and support the placement and maintenance of artificial reefs to boost biodiversity, protect fish populations, and create sustainable habitats that also benefit tourism and local fisheries.
Community Cleanups & Education
We believe that a clean community starts with informed citizens.
Through organized beach cleanups, school partnerships, and community outreach, we educate Southwest Florida residents about water quality, conservation, and sustainable living practices.
Our Impact
Since our founding, Collier County Waterkeeper has led the charge to protect local waterways through science, community outreach, and policy advocacy.
Our work has supported stronger coastal management, cleaner runoff systems, and better enforcement of water-quality standards—because every improvement helps secure the future of our coastal economy and environment.
Our Goals
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Educate
Build public understanding of water quality challenges and solutions.
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Protect
Safeguard Collier County’s waterways, reefs, and estuaries through research and advocacy.
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Engage
Unite the community to take direct action for clean, resilient waters.
Together, we can make Collier County a model for coastal stewardship — where our waters remain swimmable, drinkable, and fishable for all.
Protect Florida’s Reefs—Stop Harmful Dredging
Proposed dredging projects threaten to repeat the mistakes of past operations that destroyed coral reefs and damaged marine habitats. We’re calling for better oversight, stronger protections, and smarter planning to preserve Florida’s only barrier reef system.
Join our campaign to keep Collier County’s offshore reefs alive for future generations.
