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Inland Empire Waterkeeper

In order to protect our swimmable, fishable, drinkable waters, we need to care for our entire watershed. Inland water quality directly impacts communities from the Inland Empire mountains all the way to our coast in Orange County.

We’re proud to include Inland Empire Waterkeeper as a chapter of Orange County Coastkeeper.

Where is the Santa Ana River Watershed?

As Southern California’s largest river, the Santa Ana River Watershed covers more than 3,000 square miles across San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties, and a small portion of Los Angeles County. This water travels more than 100 miles from the peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific waves of Huntington Beach. It’s up to all of us to protect our shared watershed, so our families can enjoy clean water for generations to come.

About

How does Inland Empire Waterkeeper protect our shared watershed?

Inland Empire Waterkeeper’s mission is to enhance and protect all waterways in the Upper Santa Ana River Watershed. It works to achieve a sustainable watershed free of pollution and a community of motivated water stewards to ensure swimmable, drinkable, fishable waters.  This is accomplished through its programs: advocacy, education, research, restoration and enforcement.

How does Inland Empire Waterkeeper benefit its communities?

Waterkeeper’s work serves the diverse residents within the watershed area of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Most of these communities have little access to parks or open space. Waterkeeper focuses work in these communities in order to establish safe outdoor recreation, hands-on environmental education, public engagement, and long-term preservation of the Santa Ana River and its tributaries.

By protecting urban waterways, Waterkeeper enhances natural community resources to improve the quality of life for all Inland Empire residents.

How is Inland Empire Waterkeeper connected with Orange County Coastkeeper?

Inland Empire Waterkeeper is a chapter of Orange County Coastkeeper. We established Inland Empire Waterkeeper in 2003 to tackle water quality issues upstream in the Inland Empire area, while Orange County Coastkeeper focuses efforts downstream in the lower coastal region.

Where Can I Learn More?

Here are three ways to learn more about Inland Empire Waterkeeper’s programs and get involved: