The story of Tampa Bay is still being written
The waters of Tampa Bay have shaped our communities for generations. They've inspired adventures, supported wildlife, fueled local economies, and created memories for millions of people who call this region home. Join us for 18 Days for the Bay as we celebrate our shared history, the work being done to protect these waters today, and the future we can build together.
Eighteen days. One bay. One Story at a time.
From 7.27 to 8.13, we are telling the story of our bay one day at a time. For 18 days, we’ll look back at where our waters have been, celebrate the progress we’ve made, share the work happening today, and explore what comes next for the bay we all love.
Follow us on social media to see how we dedicate 18 days to the bay
Where do your donations go
Your donation fuels the work that keeps this bay healthy: through water quality testing, education in the classrooms and on the water, policy work, and environmental enforcement.
200+
Miles driven every 2 weeks for water quality monitoring
1000+
Kids educated so far in 2026
8000
Pounds of debris removed from the bay
History of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper
Nine years of fighting for this bay with major wins documented. We will add to the timeline through the 18 days, so check back as it grows.
Tampa Bay was declared dead.
In the 1970's Tampa Bay was declared "dead" on an episode of 60 minutes due to severe pollution. Heavy nutrient pollution, raw sewage dumping, and industrial waste had depleted oxygen levels in the water. This caused massive fish kills, seagrasses to vanish, and the ecosystem collapsed.
1970s
1972
Turning Point and Recovery
Two local elected officials, Senator Harold Wilson and Representative Mary Grizzle, introduced the Wilson-Grizzle Bill of 1972. The bill required municipalities to provide advanced waste water treatment in sewage plants. Community awareness and engaged led to changes in policy credited with bringing Tampa Bay back
The Clean Water Act of 1972
Citizens have the right to file law suits against polluters. When needed, we represent our members in bringing lawsuits against polluters when government agencies fail to do their jobs. We may also bring legal challenges against governmental agencies when they fail to enforce the laws.
2017
Tampa Bay Waterkeeper
Tampa Bay Waterkeeper was founded in 2017 to carry the fight forward and advocate for everyone's right to have fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water. Our scope of work is diverse, with core issues including clean water, ecosystem protection, and coastal resiliency.
TBWK researches issues diligently and works collaboratively with citizens, local organizations, and governments so that together we can find rhetorical best solutions to support our work.
2021
Piney Point
In April of 2021, more than 215 million gallons of nutrient rich wastewater was discharged from Piney Point into Tampa Bay, contributing to harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and long-term impacts on our estuary.
Tampa Bay Waterkeeper joined a coalition of environmental organizations to take legal action, demanding accountability and stronger protections under the Clean Water Act.
$75,000 in state funding was awarded to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to conduct independent water quality monitoring and evaluate the ongoing environmental impacts of Piney Point's pollution.
Make a Difference - Donate Today!
A donor-advised fund allows you to easily support Tampa Bay Waterkeeper.
Please direct the fund to make checks payable to Tampa Bay Waterkeeper and mail to our address. Tampa Bay Waterkeeper’s tax ID number is: 82-1679313
Contact
Have another idea or way we can work together? Get in touch with us!
