We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest Blue Water Task Force lab at MAST Academy in Virginia Key. This dedicated space marks an exciting new chapter for our community science program, bringing hands-on water quality testing and environmental education directly to students and volunteers in Miami.
The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) is Surfrider's volunteer-run water quality monitoring program. The Miami Chapter has been testing water quality at over 20 sites across Biscayne Bay for years, providing timely results that help the public know where it is safe to swim, paddle, and recreate. Water samples are tested for enterococcus, a fecal bacteria that indicates the presence of human or animal waste, and results are compared to Florida Department of Health standards.
The new lab at MAST Academy allows us to expand our community science efforts by training the next generation of coastal defenders to collect, process, and analyze water samples. Youth involvement is at the heart of this effort. By engaging students in real-world science, we are helping foster a deep connection to Miami's coastal environment and empowering young people to take an active role in protecting our local waters.
A huge thank you to the students and partners who make this possible. We are proud to work alongside our community to ensure clean water for all.
Special thanks to:
Water quality results from all Miami BWTF sites are updated every week and available to the public at the Blue Water Task Force Miami page. To get involved as a volunteer or learn more about our Blue Water Task Force program, visit our website or email bwtf@miami.surfrider.org.