Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Account information: When you create an account, we collect your username, email address, and name.

Phone number (optional): If you choose to enable SMS alerts, we collect and store the mobile number you provide so we can verify it and deliver the alerts you configure. Providing a phone number is entirely optional and is never required to use Waterlands. See SMS Alerts for how that program works.

Usage data: We collect data such as pages visited, rivers and stations you interact with, and feature usage patterns.

Location data (mobile app): With your permission, the mobile app collects your precise GPS location to track fishing sessions and display your position on the map. When you start a fishing session, the app may collect location data in the background to record your route. The app collects location data only while a session is active and you have granted permission. You can revoke location access at any time through your device settings.

On-device storage (mobile app): The mobile app stores fishing session data, catch records, and environmental snapshots locally on your device using an on-device database. This data remains on your device until you choose to upload it to your Waterlands account.

Cookies (website): We use cookies to maintain your session and remember your preferences. If you interact with third-party ads displayed on Waterlands, those ad networks may set their own cookies.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and maintain your account and personalize the app for you
• To track and display your fishing sessions, catches, and environmental conditions
• To show your position on maps and record GPS tracks during active sessions
• To send transactional emails (password resets, account notifications)
• To send SMS alerts and verification codes, if you have opted in to SMS
• To display relevant advertisements
• To improve our services and develop new features
• To monitor and prevent abuse of our platform

3. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Service providers that help us operate Waterlands (hosting, email delivery, payment processing)
• Ad networks that display advertisements on our platform
• Law enforcement when required by law

Your fishing session data and location history are private to your account. We do not share them with other users or third parties unless you explicitly choose to share them.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. If you provide a phone number for SMS alerts, it is shared only with our SMS delivery provider for the sole purpose of sending the messages you signed up for. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent are never shared with any third party.

4. Data Storage & Security

We store your data on secure servers and hash passwords with industry-standard algorithms. We use HTTPS for all communications and HTTP-only cookies for session management on the web.

The mobile app stores authentication tokens in the platform's secure credential store (iOS Keychain on iOS, Android Keystore on Android). Session data stored on your device lives in an on-device SQLite database that other apps cannot access.

5. Your Rights

You may request to access, correct, or delete your personal data at any time by contacting us. You can also delete your account through your account settings. Deleting your account will remove all server-side data including uploaded fishing sessions. To remove data stored on your device, delete the app.

6. Cookies

On the website, we use the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication and core functionality
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings like default state
• Advertising cookies: Used by ad networks to serve relevant ads

You can control cookie preferences through the cookie consent banner or your browser settings. The mobile app does not use cookies.

7. Third-Party Services

Waterlands uses data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Weather Service (NWS), and the Colorado Division of Water Resources (CO DWR). Their respective terms govern our use of this data.

We also use Cloudflare Turnstile for bot protection, Stripe for payment processing, and Twilio for SMS delivery. The mobile app uses Apple MapKit for map display.

8. Mobile Messaging (SMS)

SMS alerts are an optional, opt-in program. We only text you after you have entered your mobile number, given explicit consent via an unchecked-by-default checkbox, and confirmed the number by entering a verification code we send to it.

We send two kinds of message: a one-time verification code, and notifications for alerts you created yourself. We do not send marketing or promotional texts.

You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message, by disabling SMS in your notification settings, or by removing your phone number from your account. Message frequency varies based on your alert settings. Message and data rates may apply.

Full program details, sample messages, and opt-in instructions are on our SMS Alerts page.

9. Children's Privacy

Waterlands is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will email registered users about material changes.

11. Contact

For privacy-related questions, contact us at privacy@waterlands.app.