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| A Clean Water Hero and Beloved Founder It’s hard to imagine our movement without Rick Dove, who passed away on Friday, August 22. As a founder of Waterkeeper Alliance, he was the first Neuse Riverkeeper, a proud Marine who served his country, and for many of us — a friend, a mentor, and a reminder of what it means to follow your calling with your whole heart.
Rick’s love for water began in childhood, growing up on the Chesapeake Bay. After 25 years of service in the Marine Corps, he headed to North Carolina’s Neuse River to live out his dream of fishing. When the river was devastated by fish kills and pollution in the early 1990s, his life took a turn and what began as heartbreak became a calling. He became the Neuse Riverkeeper, and in doing so, helped launch the Waterkeeper movement we know today. |
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| Rick was fierce, fearless, and uncompromising when it came to defending clean water. He was instrumental in bringing national attention to the devastating pollution caused by the swine industry in North Carolina, exposing how industrial-scale agriculture was poisoning communities and waterways. He showed us that protecting a river was about more than science and law. It was about love, courage, and listening to what the water itself would say if it had a voice. As he often reminded us: “If you ever have a question about what to do, go down to the water, sit on the bank, and ask — what would you want if you could speak?” His leadership inspired generations of Waterkeepers across the globe, and his words and example will guide us for decades to come.
As we mourn, honor, and celebrate our leader, colleague, and friend, we send all our love and thoughts to his wife Joanne and loved ones. His passing leaves an emptiness, but his legacy fills us with purpose and gratitude. Rick was not only a clean water hero to his community — he was a beloved member of our movement’s family and he will be greatly missed.
Rest in power, Rick. Your voice lives on in every Waterkeeper. |
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| While the European Union is moving forward with strict new drinking water standards for PFAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning roll back regulations. In his latest article for IMPAKTER, CEO Marc Yaggi explains how Waterkeepers are stepping in to fill data gaps and advocate for safeguards against these “forever chemicals,” protecting both communities and ecosystems around the globe. |
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| | WATER SCARCITY POLL ANALYSIS |
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| Water threats are not only global — they hit local communities hard. Marc Yaggi, along with the University of Southern California’s Wändi Bruine de Bruin and Joshua Inwald, are now published in Environmental Science & Technology (Vol. 59, Issue 32). Their analysis of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll reveals that people who have experienced water insecurity feel less prepared for disasters, rely on trusted local sources for information, and closely connect water-safety risks to severe weather.
Read the full analysis to learn how disaster communications can better support vulnerable communities. |
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| | FRUSTRATING UPDATE FROM INC-5.2 |
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| Despite world leaders failed to agree on a Plastics Treaty at INC-5.2, Waterkeeper Alliance and partners continue calling on governments to stop plastic pollution at its source. There is hope: in Geneva, 100+ countries pushed for real solutions, rejecting fossil fuel industry greenwashing. The will of the people is clear: leaders must choose people and the planet over industry greed.
Read our full media statement here. |
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| | SUPPORT ONE OF COLOMBIA’S MOST IMPORTANT WATERSHEDS TODAY! |
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| Support the Protection of One of Colombia’s Most Important Watersheds. Bocas de Ceniza Waterkeeper works to protect the mouth of the Magdalena River, where it meets the Caribbean Sea—a vital transition zone between freshwater and marine ecosystems. This region is home to rich biodiversity, serves as a breeding ground for countless marine species, and supports the livelihoods of local communities. But increasing pollution and overexploitation threaten its future. With donor support, Bocas de Ceniza Waterkeeper can continue defending this critical ecosystem and promoting long-term environmental stewardship.
Donate today to help safeguard Colombia’s natural heritage. |
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| Now Streaming! In the final episode of Series 3 of Equity In Every Drop, Casco Baykeeper, Ivy Frignoca discusses the harmful effects of stormwater runoff in Maine, while highlighting how solutions like low-impact development and green infrastructure can help mitigate toxic pollutants. Ivy not only stresses the importance of public awareness and individual action, but also goes in-depth describing the work Casco Baykeeper undertakes, such as studying emerging contaminants, advocating for better legislation, and working with local communities.
Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Tune in next month for the start of series four, which will highlight the collaboration and work being done within and between our six global regions. |
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| Our latest Who is Waterkeeper highlights the amazing work of Kyoga Nile Waterkeeper, Godfrey Kitimbo. With a deep commitment to protecting local waters, Godfrey has witnessed both the beauty of Uganda’s second-largest freshwater lake, Lake Kyoga, and the many challenges it faces. Driven by a passion for community advocacy, justice, and amplifying the voices of those directly affected by the lake’s health, joining the Waterkeeper movement was a natural step in his journey. |
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| Copyright © 2025 Waterkeeper Alliance, All Rights Reserved.
Contact Us: Waterkeeper Alliance 180 Maiden Lane, Suite 902 New York, NY 10038 +1 (212) 747-0622 [email protected]
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Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with Top- Rated status on Charity Watch, a Four Star Charity rating from Charity Navigator, and Platinum Participant status on GuideStar. |
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