Photos: Surfrider, Maui Chapter

A workshop in May 2014 on Maui, Hawai'i focused on community-based coastal water quality monitoring in areas experiencing consistent problems and highlighted lessons learned by Dr. Carl Berg of Surfrider Foundation, Kaua'i. Photo: The Nature Conservancy

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More Water Quality Efforts in Hawai'i 

Blue Water Task Force

Surfrider Foundation's Blue Water Task Force is a water quality testing program that collects and tests water samples on the second Saturday morning of the month at various surf spots and streams on the islands of Maui, Kaua'i, and O'ahu. They test for Enterococcus bacteria that indicate contamination from feces of warm blooded animals, especially humans. It is the standard test for both the Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They also test some of the streams and County Beach parks not tested by the DOH.  The data is provided to the DOH and EPA, in an effort to get them to post warning signs at areas of concern and then take measures to stop polluting. Their monthly results are posted on their chapter websites and also on the Surfrider national website for the three Hawai'i locations:  MAUI,  KAUA'I,  O'AHU

If you would like to find out more, contact Dr. Carl Berg: 808-639-2968 or [email protected].
​Carl Berg is the senior science advisor and Blue Water Task Force Coordinator for Kaua'i and has worked on water quality issues in Hawai'i for more than 20 years. He is active in coral reef research, watershed management, and issues relating to global climate change. He has been working with Surfrider chapters, doing water quality testing for over 10 years. Dr. Berg also led the way for community-based water quality testing in Hanalei streams which led to pollution reduction there. He inspired the formation of Hui O Ka Wai Ola’s Quality Assured Project Plan (QAPP) when he was invited to speak at a water quality event on Maui in May 2014, co-sponsored by the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, The Nature Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, Pacific Whale Foundation, and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Photo: Header - Bruce Forrester