Community voices. Research. Action.
Clean water needs strong advocates.
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch protects the quality of water and quality of life in coastal North Carolina through community collaboration, independent research, pollution response, and nonpartisan advocacy. We listen to the people who live, work, fish, and recreate in our watersheds, then bring their concerns and scientific evidence into environmental decisions.
Turn concern into action
Advocacy Working Group
The Advocacy Working Group (AWG) connects residents with the knowledge, tools, and support to advocate for clean water, environmental justice, and resilience in the White Oak River Basin. New advocates and experienced community leaders are welcome.
- Build practical skills: Learn to prepare public comments, document community concerns, and engage local governments on stormwater, sediment and erosion control, and development decisions.
- Work with others: Share observations, discuss current issues, and receive support from CCRW staff and fellow advocates.
- Use the resources: Explore public comment materials, stormwater ordinance and basin planning resources, cost-share information, and Muddy Water Watch training resources.
Meetings: AWG meets every other month online, with opportunities for in-person connection as requested. Email Waterkeeper@coastalcarolinariverwatch.org for the next meeting date and virtual invitation.
Our advocacy priorities
Our work connects pollution prevention, healthy fisheries, habitat protection, and community resilience. The Water Quality for Fisheries program brings fishing-community priorities into research and action.
Factory farm pollution & sustainable agriculture
Through Pure Farms, Pure Waters, we investigate water quality concerns, document potential pollution, collaborate on research, and highlight independent farms and practices that protect local waters.
Explore Pure Farms, Pure Waters · Learn about factory farm impacts
Stormwater, sediment & watershed restoration
We support practical ways to reduce polluted runoff and sediment, improve drainage, and identify restoration opportunities with residents and local governments.
Stormwater runoff · New River watershed plans · Lower New River sediment concerns
Industrial pollution & PFAS
We connect research, public education, and advocacy to address industrial pollutants and emerging contaminants, including PFAS in water and oysters.
Plastic pollution & marine debris
We advance prevention through research, education, community partnerships, and policy resources, while supporting local action to keep debris out of waterways.
Plastic pollution · NC plastic policy resources · Plastic chemical research
Wastewater & septic pollution
Municipal wastewater and septic systems are among the water quality priorities identified by coastal fishing representatives. We share information and support pollution prevention and accountability.
Wetlands, underwater grasses & resilience
We connect habitat research, community science, and local planning to protect wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation and help communities prepare for flooding and changing coastal conditions.
Wetlands protection research · NC SAV Watchers · King Tides Project
Seismic blasting & offshore drilling
Our advocacy and Seismic Truth film series share coastal perspectives on the risks of seismic blasting and offshore drilling to marine life, fisheries, and coastal livelihoods.
How we move concerns toward solutions
- Listen and investigate: Respond to community reports and document concerns from land, water, and the air.
- Use science: Collect and evaluate water quality information with research partners to inform outreach, restoration planning, and advocacy.
- Seek accountability: Report suspected violations to the appropriate agencies and follow up with polluters and regulators on corrective action.
- Participate in decisions: Provide public comments, meet with officials, and help residents speak up on policies, permits, and local plans affecting water quality.
- Build partnerships: Work with communities, fishing representatives, sustainable businesses, researchers, local governments, and legal partners to pursue lasting solutions.
We approach this work with honesty, transparency, and respect for the communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on clean water.
Make your voice part of the work.
Report a water quality concern with the location, date, observations, and photographs you can safely collect. Volunteer with CCRW, join our mailing list, or explore advocacy alerts for updates and opportunities to act.
Start a conversation: Waterkeeper@coastalcarolinariverwatch.org
Watch our videos and films, including Tidal Alert, to learn how water quality connects to coastal fisheries and communities.