The Coalition

We envision a world where clean water sustains all people, communities, and wildlife throughout a thriving Chesapeake Bay watershed

Since 2009, the Choose Clean Water Coalition has harnessed the collective power of more than 320 organizations to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake Bay region. By coordinating policy, messaging, and action, the Coalition speaks louder with one voice toward our collective goal—clean water.

News from the Coalition
News
Inclusion of Indigenous Voices in Chesapeake Bay Restoration Effort Delayed
Inclusion of Indigenous Voices in Chesapeake Bay Restoration Effort Delayed
Clean Water Conference Gathers in Lancaster, Honors Pennsylvania Leaders
Clean Water Conference Gathers in Lancaster, Honors Pennsylvania Leaders
Chesapeake Bay Advocates Showcase Need for Federal Funding on Capitol Hill Amidst Historic Sewage Spill
Chesapeake Bay Advocates Showcase Need for Federal Funding on Capitol Hill Amidst Historic Sewage Spill
Congressional Appropriations Package a Win for Chesapeake Bay
Congressional Appropriations Package a Win for Chesapeake Bay
Leaders of Chesapeake Bay Restoration Effort Meet at Critical Point
Leaders of Chesapeake Bay Restoration Effort Meet at Critical Point
Chesapeake Bay NGO Community Raises Collective Voice at Critical Point in Restoration Effort
Chesapeake Bay NGO Community Raises Collective Voice at Critical Point in Restoration Effort
Preliminary Congress Budget Bolsters Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Preliminary Congress Budget Bolsters Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Proposed Legislation Would Confront Chesapeake Bay Menace
Proposed Legislation Would Confront Chesapeake Bay Menace
Blogs from the Coalition
Blog
Delaware Enacts Historic Freshwater Wetlands Protections
Delaware Enacts Historic Freshwater Wetlands Protections

It only took 38 years. Under The Wetlands Stewardship Act of 2026, Delaware has finally created its own protections for freshwater wetlands.

The Chesapeake’s Ospreys Are Sending Us a Warning
The Chesapeake’s Ospreys Are Sending Us a Warning

Last month, the Coalition staff and a group of our supporters ventured to Patuxent River Park to get an up-close look at the ospreys that call it home and learn about the challenges they are facing.

Building Community for Clean Water: Reflections from the DC Annual Member Event
Building Community for Clean Water: Reflections from the DC Annual Member Event

On April 23, 2026, Nature Forward welcomed members of the DC Workgroup of the Choose Clean Water Coalition for an inspiring day of learning, collaboration, and community building in “The Great Ward 8,” Southeast Washington, DC.

Pennsylvania Members Gather to Strengthen Policies and Partnerships
Pennsylvania Members Gather to Strengthen Policies and Partnerships

On April 21, 2026, Pennsylvania members gathered together in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for an in-person meeting focused on collaboration, policies, and shared priorities.

Clean Water Conversing at Maryland Member Meeting
Clean Water Conversing at Maryland Member Meeting

Members of the Maryland Choose Clean Water Coalition convened on April 21 in Point of Rocks—a small town south of Frederick, Maryland and adjacent to the Potomac River.

Welcoming the Coalition’s Three New Interns!
Welcoming the Coalition’s Three New Interns!

The Coalition is thrilled to welcome three new interns this summer! Coming to the Coalition through the Yale Conservation Scholars Program, Kierstin, Emma, and Flannery will tackle critical projects to support our work for clean water. Please join us in welcoming them to the Coalition

Glorious New Logos for Four Coalition Members
Glorious New Logos for Four Coalition Members

After the smashing success of the Coalition’s new logo last year, we were inundated with requests from member organizations to redesign their logo. Thanks to the many talents of our Intern Emeritus Leeanna Duong, we are thrilled to introduce fresh, new looks for four of our amazing members.

Sailing the Chesapeake to Freedom
Sailing the Chesapeake to Freedom

During the late 18th century through the middle of the 19th century, a network of land routes helped enslaved people escape to their freedom. What the history books often leave out, however, is that waterways were a major part of these routes, none more so than the Chesapeake Bay.

The Coalition Goes to Washington
The Coalition Goes to Washington

On Wednesday, March 4, more than 70 members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition traveled to Washington, DC for the Coalition’s 14th annual Chesapeake Bay Day on Capitol Hill. These advocates came from all corners of the watershed to meet with their congressional offices and talk about the impact the broader Chesapeake restoration effort is having in their districts.

The Hidden Threat Flowing Through Our Waters: How Potomac Riverkeeper Network Is Taking on Microplastics, PFAS, and Biosolids
The Hidden Threat Flowing Through Our Waters: How Potomac Riverkeeper Network Is Taking on Microplastics, PFAS, and Biosolids

When we think about pollution in our rivers, we think of plastic bottles, litter and even tires. But some of the most dangerous contaminants threatening our waterways, and our food system, are largely invisible.