Taking Meaningful Action to Protect Our Waters

Like many, I first visited the Gulf Coast on vacation with my family. My boys, now in their 20s, have core memories of picture-perfect beach days—long walks with Tami and me collecting sharks’ teeth, building epic sand castles, and swimming for hours in the sparkling blue green water. Water shapes life in our community — quietly, powerfully, and in ways both visible and invisible. Whether it’s the serenity of a sunset boat cruise with loved ones or the economic engine of tourism, water sustains our way of life. Yet we’ve also seen how fragile that lifeline can be, from harmful algal blooms to the devastation caused by powerful storms. Clean water isn’t a given; it’s a responsibility—one we must uphold daily through smart policy, land stewardship, intentional philanthropy, and action.

That’s why our team at Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is proud to share the updated Water Quality Playbook, a dynamic guide designed to help anyone who cares about clean water take meaningful action. First launched in 2020, the Playbook has been updated with the latest science and proven strategies to reduce nutrient pollution and restore our vital ecosystems.

Since its initial release, the Playbook has contributed significantly to advancements in water quality, highlighting the power of collaboration between science and the community. For example, several municipalities in our region have implemented new stormwater management projects inspired by Playbook recommendations, resulting in reduced nutrient runoff into our bays and rivers. Programs promoting fertilizer reduction and education for homeowners and landscapers have helped decrease phosphorus and nitrogen inputs, key drivers of harmful algal blooms. Additionally, conservation efforts to restore wetlands and seagrass beds, natural filters and critical habitats have accelerated, helping to improve water clarity and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

In a recent feature story, we asked community members—from scientists and farmers to boat captains and environmental leaders—what clean water means to them personally and professionally. Their reflections underscore the deep personal stakes of water quality in our region. As Dr. Jennifer Shafer, co-executive director of the Science and Environment Council, explained, “Water quality is not just a scientific concern; it’s a personal one. It shapes our economy, our health, and our daily lives.” These insights remind us that protecting water is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.

The updated Playbook remains practical, not theoretical. With ten chapters organized around three goals that bring the vision into focus. It’s a tool for everyone: government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and residents alike. The Playbook outlines specific, actionable steps, from upgrading stormwater systems and reducing fertilizer use to restoring natural habitats. Each step includes performance measures, responsible champions, and cost estimates to guide implementation.

Many of us recall the red tides, algal blooms, and hurricanes that have turned water quality into a regional crisis. But these events are more than challenges; they are catalysts for change. With every update, this Playbook grows stronger as a blueprint for action, empowering communities to make measurable progress in protecting our water resources.

I invite you to explore the updated Playbook at waterqualityplaybook.org. Let it guide your efforts, whether you’re expanding wetlands, switching to low-phosphorus fertilizers, advocating for better stormwater policies, or supporting restoration projects.

Together, let’s move from awareness to action. By doing so, we can protect our waters in ways that ensure a healthier economy, stronger ecosystems, and a brighter future for all who call our region home.