With H2gO, you H2knOw!
Swim safe, not sorry.
Information is prevention.Education is protection.
We go beyond simple water testing to provide predictive, upstream intelligence.
Know about risks before they reach you—not after exposure.
Track how water conditions flow through entire connected systems.
Protect swimmers, fish, plants, and entire aquatic environments.
Understand how everyday actions impact the water around you.
Real observations from real people strengthen predictions.
H2gO doesn't just show current conditions. By combining upstream activity, weather patterns, and environmental signals, it helps identify risks before they appear locally.
That day, several years ago, the lake looked perfect—clear, inviting, the kind of day where you don't think twice before jumping in. My family and I spent hours enjoying a beautiful day along a picturesque shore. My siblings didn't know how to swim, so only I braved wading in the water, while they stayed on the beach, playing in the sand.
That night I got sick. Not everyone—just me.
Years later, I would learn the likely diagnosis: harmful algal bloom exposure. The toxins had been invisible, odorless, completely undetectable to the human eye.
That's when I realized the problem wasn't just about bad water—it was about not knowing. There was no real-time warning system, no simple way to check if it was safe.
People shouldn't have to get sick to know their water is unsafe.
H2gO exists because invisible risks need visible solutions.
Our color-based system makes water safety instantly understandable
Safe for all activities
Some risk factors present
Limit water contact
Avoid water contact
Real-time predictive safety data for lakes, rivers, and beaches
Check water safety in real time, wherever you are. Get instant alerts about upstream risks before they reach your location.
This mobile experience is a planned extension of the platform (in development).
Color-coded indicators show safety status at a glance
Get notified when conditions change at your favorite spots
See how water flows and where risks originate upstream
Apple Canyon
Good to Go
Apple River
Be Careful
Galena River
Stay Away
Locations
With H2gO, you H2knOw!
From invisible dangers to
visible decisions.
Swim safe, not sorry.
Check Water Near You
Learn How It Works
Information is prevention.
Education is protection.
Home
Apple Canyon Lake
Jo Daviess County, IL
Good to Go!
Safe for activities
Risk Factors
Low
72°F
Med
Clear
Good
Safe
Activities
Detail
Real observations from people on the ground help identify early warning signs
Report unusual water conditions, share observations, and contribute to better predictions for everyone.
Water looks super clear this morning. Perfect day for fishing with the kids!
Saw green scummy stuff near the shore. Keeping my dog away from the water!
Water went up about 6 inches after the big rain. Current is stronger than normal - be careful tubing!
13 critical factors that predict water safety—tracked upstream and in real-time
We translate complex environmental factors into simple, understandable signals anyone can use.
Slimy green or blue-green goop that can make you and your pets sick
Chemicals from farms that wash into the water when it rains
Water that is too hot or too cold can be dangerous
When water gets too high and flows fast with yucky stuff in it
How well you can see underwater - murky water hides dangers
The air dissolved in water that fish and plants need to live
How acidic or basic the water is - wrong balance can hurt your skin
Microscopic creatures that can make your tummy hurt
Special germs that mean the water has gross stuff in it
How fast the water moves - strong currents can sweep you away!
Thunderstorms are super dangerous near water - get out fast!
When dams let out extra water, it creates sudden dangerous waves
Swirly water and big waves that can pull you under
H2gO directly supports three UN Sustainable Development Goals
Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water for all
Real-time monitoring helps communities avoid contaminated water sources and waterborne diseases
Data transparency empowers citizens to hold polluters accountable and advocate for cleaner water
Crowdsourced intelligence fills gaps where official monitoring is limited or absent
Local action opportunities connect residents with river cleanups, rain barrel programs, and watershed protection petitions
Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Climate impact tracking reveals how rising temperatures and extreme weather affect water quality
Historical data shows long-term trends linking climate patterns to algae blooms, droughts, and flooding
Early warning systems help communities adapt to climate-driven water challenges before they escalate
Stewardship education teaches sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and runoff reduction to protect watersheds
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages
Disease prevention by warning swimmers about harmful bacteria, algae toxins, and contaminated water before exposure
Child safety focus with easy-to-understand ratings that help parents make informed decisions about water activities
Pet protection alerts to keep furry family members safe from toxic algae blooms and contaminated water sources
Promoting active lifestyles by making it safer for communities to enjoy swimming, fishing, and outdoor recreation
Don't wait until it's too late. Check your water's safety now.
We are the oldest two of five siblings who grew up exploring the lakes and rivers of Jo Daviess County, Illinois. After a firsthand experience with invisible water contamination, we set out to build a tool that helps families make informed decisions about water safety. Our mission is to protect our family and our community—and we hope to scale this protection to all families and communities. Education is protection. Information is prevention. No one should have to get sick to learn their water is unsafe.
Kieran Grey Edwards
Co-Founder
Abeile Rein Edwards
Co-Founder