In 2022, Inland Empire Waterkeeper took part in a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS/PFOS) water sampling project in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. This work was part of a larger study being done by the Waterkeeper Alliance to monitor and educate the community on the concentrations of PFAS in our waterways and how even small amounts of this synthetic chemical can pose a threat to the safety and quality of our drinking water. You can see the report for that study here.

• The jury found Corona Clay Company liable for thousands of days of violations.

• This is the first jury verdict in favor of a plaintiff in a Clean Water Act citizen suit since the United States Supreme Court’s April 2020 decision in County of Maui v. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund.

PRESS RELEASE - NOV 28, 2022

On Monday, November 21, Inland Empire Waterkeeper and Orange County Coastkeeper emerged from an eight-day jury trial in federal court with a massive win for clean water. The jury sided with Waterkeeper on all claims against Corona Clay Company for its discharge of pollutants into Temescal Creek (also known as Temescal Wash), which flows into the Santa Ana River. This is the first jury verdict in favor of a plaintiff in a Clean Water Act citizen suit since the United States Supreme Court’s April 2020 decision in County of Maui v. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund.

River Camp is Back!

Rivercamp is making its splash back into Riverside for its 6th year! Rivercamp is a one of a kind interactive environmental science camp that provides young students with the opportunity to connect with nature while learning about important concepts in ecology and earth science through hands-on activities. Children, ages 5-12, will learn about their watershed while exploring the natural treasure, the Santa Ana River. Rivercampers will go on nature walks, splash in the river, meet live animals, and learn how to be better environmental stewards. Students will have the chance to interact with zoologists, geologists, biologists, and more!

Rivercamp 2018

Rivercamp is making its splash back into Riverside for its 5th year! Rivercamp is a one of a kind interactive environmental science camp that provides young students with the opportunity to connect with nature while learning about important concepts in ecology and earth science through hands-on activities. Children, ages 5-12, will learn about their watershed while exploring the natural treasure, the Santa Ana River. Rivercampers will go on nature walks, splash in the river, meet live animals, and learn how to be better environmental stewards. Students will have the chance to interact with zoologists, geologists, biologists, and more!

   Cheryl Marie Hansberger, Chief of Staff-City of Riverside, speaks about partnerships to end homelessness. Photo credit: SAWPA

On Thursday, December 7th the water sector, homeless service providers, and elected officials took the lead in ending homelessness in the watershed. As they filled the room of the Conference Center at the Fullerton Library, an excited buzz filled the air. Over one hundred leaders of water agencies, policymakers, and local non-profit employees shared with one another their eagerness to hear how they can help end homelessness. Following their successful homelessness and water symposium last June, Inland Empire Waterkeeper and the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA), once again brought together water agencies and homelessness service providers to openly discuss ways collaboration can end homelessness in the Santa Ana Watershed once and for all.

The 11th year of our RiverKATS Program is underway! This past month, Waterkeeper brought out the entire 4th grade from Mission Bell Elementary, as well as an AP Environmental Science class from Jurupa Valley High School to the Santa Ana River to learn more about their watershed and their community!

Waterkeeper was part of STEP Conference 2017. We were able to connect with teachers all throughout the Inland Empire. The conference for teachers aimed to inspire hundreds of K-12 teachers and area educators with motivating keynote speakers, immersive workshops, and hands-on activities. 

Waterkeeper's Little Seedlings Nature Preschool began this month. This nature preschool is its first of its kind in the City of Riverside. Our Little seedlings are enjoying learning about the wonderful world of animals and insects around them.  

Over 500 Volunteer attended the Annual Santa Ana River & Waterways Cleanup on September 30th. Community volunteers and organizations throughout the city came together to make a positive impact on their local waterways with 16 sites across the city.  

(Riverside, CA) – A coalition of Inland Empire citizen and environmental groups today called on the area’s state legislators to support a package of bills designed to protect the region’s water and natural resources from federal attempts to weaken environmental safeguards.

The Inland Empire Waterkeeper, the Riverside-based grassroots nonprofit water quality group, joined by the Hispanic Access Foundation and the Vet Voice Foundation, called on Assembly members Jose Medina (R-Riverside), Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-San Bernardino), GOP leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley), Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore), and Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) to support the “Preserve California” package pending in the state legislature.