Water Quality — Blog — Rogue Riverkeeper

UPDATED 12/18/23: Proposed Phoenix development to threaten water quality

City of Phoenix Planning Commission approved a a proposed Final Order for the project which includes protection for this spring to allow it to continue contributing cold, clean water for healthy aquatic habitats!

Bear Creek, Take Action, Water QualityKlamath SiskiyouDecember 4, 2023Water Quality, Bear Creek, pollution, water pollution, petition, Take Action, action, top

Blue Heron Creek: A Triumph Amidst Environmental Challenges in the Rogue Valley

In the heart of southern Oregon near the Bear Creek Greenway, a much-needed victory has taken place. Learn more about Blue Heron Creek here.

Bear Creek, Clean Water Act Defense, Water QualityKlamath SiskiyouNovember 22, 2023Water Quality, Clean Water Act rollbacks, Clean Water Act, clean water, streams, Streams, top story, Rogue Riverkeeper, Rogue River, tributary

The Clean Water Act of 2023: Understanding Its Implications and Why Rogue Riverkeeper Stands Watchful

Last week the House Democrats introduced the Clean Water Act of 2023 and we find ourselves at a crucial crossroads for our rivers and water bodies nationwide. Learn more about the CWA of 2023 and what its updates could mean in this blog.

Clean Water Act Defense, Legislation, Take Action, Water QualityKlamath SiskiyouOctober 24, 2023Clean Water Act rollbacks, Clean Water Act, clean water, Water Quality, water pollution, wetland, streams, policy, Oregon legislature

2023 Water Quality Report: Mostly Good, But One Concern Looms

Our 2023 Water Quality Monitoring Program concluded in September. The results? Mostly optimistic! We tested various waterways and recreational spots for E. coli, Oregon's standard for water contact safety, and you can see the results here.

e. Coli, Swim Guide, Water QualityKlamath SiskiyouOctober 4, 2023Water Quality, water quality monitoring program, e. coli, Volunteers, top story, rogue basin, Rogue River, clean water, Swim Guide

UPDATE: August 2023 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Ruling

Your help is needed. On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett v. EPA case that notably shrinks the waters previously sheltered under the WOTUS framework.

Ballots due August 22 for a special election in Gold Hill that will impact the Rogue River

For voters registered in the small town of Gold Hill, ballots for a special election are due on August 22. This special election is to determine if the city of Gold Hill will be annexed into the Rogue Valley Sewer Services district (RVSS). Learn more here.

Clean Water Act Defense, election, LegislationKlamath SiskiyouAugust 15, 2023rogue basin, Rogue River, rogue valley, gold hill, wastewater, waste, groundwater, Water Quality, water quality standards, vote, voting, ballot

UPDATE: Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Ruling

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced its revisions to the Clean Water Act (CWA) on December 30th 2022. These changes go into effect March 20, 2023. See our blog for more information about Waters of the United States, or WOTUS.

Oregon's estuaries need protection.

The very laws that allowed Rogue Riverkeeper and our partner organizations to defeat the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline and export terminal project are now being threatened by a bill that would allow developers to circumvent important land use laws to massively dredge Oregon's estuaries.

Clean Water Act Defense, No LNG, No Pipeline, Take Action, Water Quality, Water UseKlamath SiskiyouMay 10, 2023No LNG, Jordan Cove LNG, estuaries, ports, Water Quality, land use, legislative, Oregon legislature

New Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Ruling

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced its revisions to the Clean Water Act (CWA) on December 30th 2022. These changes go into effect March 20, 2023. See our blog for more information about Waters of the United States, or WOTUS.

What’s coming up in the OR State Legislature in 2023?

Rogue Riverkeeper keeps an eye on upcoming laws that will be considered by the state that will affect water, fish, and recreational opportunities in the Rogue Basin. As the year progresses we’ll continue to update the community on how legislatures are developing water policy in the Rogue Basin. Check out our blog post to learn more about proposed laws that will protect local waterways.

Clean Water Act Defense, Water QualityHaleigh MartinJanuary 10, 2023rogue river, agriculture, water resources, Water Quality, waters of the united states, Oregon legislature, legislative, cafos

The 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act!

This year, we celebrate #ACT50 as a collective call to unite in the fight for clean water. Working together, we can ensure that water is drinkable, fishable, and swimmable by enforcing laws, holding polluters accountable, and empowering citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rogue Riverkeeper's Water Quality Monitoring Program

Learn more about the Rogue Riverkeeper monitoring program with our latest blog including Frequently Asked Questions about the sampling we do.

e. Coli, Swim Guide, Volunteers, Water QualityHaleigh MartinAugust 30, 2022Water Quality, water quality standards, Oregon, clean water, Rogue Riverkeeper, Swim Guide, e. coli, Escherichia coli, southern oregon, swim, DEQ, volunteers

Protecting Water Resources: It Starts at the Tributaries

Underground water is critical, yet it is less visible making it easy to alter or damage through earth work and development. Citizen monitoring and involvement in the local planning process is critical to protect these smaller and little noticed water resources.

Bear Creek, Clean Water Act Defense, StormwaterFrances OyungMarch 1, 2022Water Quality, clean water, tributary, water resources, local, county, city, river, stream, surface water, riparian, wetland

Water Quality Concerns? Here's How To Report Them

Have you seen evidence of pollution in our waterways? Rogue Riverkeeper is frequently contacted by members of the public about possible water pollution in our rivers and streams. Aquatic wildlife and your fellow community members rely on you to report pollution when you see it so the proper authorities can put a stop to it.

Haleigh MartinFebruary 3, 2022Water Quality, report card, water quality standards, clean water

2020 Year in Review!

In this challenging year, thank you for supporting our work to protect the Rogue! Take a tour of work done in 2020.

Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, Wild & Scenic Film Fest, Siskiyou Exemption, No Pipeline, No LNG, Clean Water Act Defense, Bear CreekRogue RiverkeeperJanuary 4, 2021WSFF, Wild & Scenic Film Fest, Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, Wild Rogue, RRK, Jordan Cove, Pacific Connector Pipeline, Water Quality, Clean Water Act

2019 Year in Review!

Thank you for helping us celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2019! Check out our year in review photos. Cheers!

Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, Wild & Scenic Film Fest, Siskiyou Exemption, No Pipeline, No LNG, Clean Water Act Defense, Bear CreekRogue RiverkeeperDecember 30, 2019WSFF, Wild & Scenic Film Fest, Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, Wild Rogue, RRK, Jordan Cove, Pacific Connector Pipeline, Water Quality, Clean Water Act

Do You Know Where it's Safe to Swim?

Our Water Quality Program is in full effect to let you know where it is safe to swim in local waterways. Read more about our recent field tour and the sites we’ll be sampling at this summer.

Stormwater, Bear Creek, Swim Guide, VolunteersRogue RiverkeeperJuly 3, 2019Clean Water Act, Swim Guide, Bear Creek, Water Quality