Collier County Waterkeeper
We safeguard the waters that define Collier County—from the Ten Thousand Islands to Naples Bay—through science, education, and advocacy.
Protecting Our Waters—Swimmable, Drinkable, and Fishable for All
Our mission is simple but vital: to ensure clean water for every person, habitat, and generation to come. We hold polluters accountable, protect critical habitats, and empower our community to take action for the waters that sustain us.
Clean Water Is Your Right—We Work to Protect It
Swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water is a right guaranteed to all Americans under the Clean Water Act. For Collier County, clean water is more than a legal right—it’s our lifeline. Our waterways drive our economy, support tourism and recreation, and sustain diverse ecosystems.
Yet, nutrient pollution, stormwater runoff, and aging septic systems continue to threaten these natural treasures. Collier County Waterkeeper monitors pollution sources, advocates for stronger protections, and works to keep our waters healthy for everyone.
OUR PRIORITIES
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.
Clean Water
Your waters, our mission: we stand between pollution and the places you love.
From Naples Bay to Golden Gate Canal, we’re working to reduce nutrient runoff, modernize infrastructure, and prevent beach closures caused by bacteria.
Habitat Protection
Healthy waters depend on healthy habitats. We restore and defend Collier County’s mangroves, seagrasses, and oyster reefs—natural filters that protect our shorelines, wildlife, and water quality.
Sea Level Rise Resilience
Rising seas and stronger storms threaten Collier’s coastlines and communities.
We advocate for nature-based solutions—like living shorelines and mangrove buffers—to make our communities more resilient.
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.
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.
