U.S. Water News
PHILADELPHIA -- The last seven decades have seen
"dramatic improvements" in the quality of water in both the
Delaware River and its estuary in Delaware Bay.
Nevertheless, according to a report by the tri-state
Delaware Estuary Program, composed of representatives from
Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, the area still
suffers from a number of serious problems. Among these are
toxic chemical pollution, loss of habitat for wildlife, and
loss of open space. One other threat, according to the
report, is heavy use of surface water and groundwater, which
together threaten the watershed's long-term water supply.
The report offers a summary evaluation of the lower Delaware
including topics ranging from water quality to land use to
wildlife. Among the problems cited by the report are levels
of bacteria that remain too high in many parts of the river,
and high levels of toxic chemicals, including PCBs, DDT and
chlordane accompanied by low levels of oxygen. The fishery,
which had declined since the turn of the century, has still
not returned to historic levels of productivity, according
to the report, even though such species as shad and striped
bass have increased in number during the last few years.
The report also cited patterns of land development, such as
large-lot subdivisions, that have helped contribute to poor
soil management, decline of wetlands, and improper use of
fertilizers and pesticides, all factors that have
contributed to the degradation of wildlife habitat. A final
significant problem highlighted by the report is the heavy
use of available water, which has contributed to the fact
that, "Currently there is not enough water within the basin
for all uses at all times."
The report, which required six year for completion by a
battery of researchers and cost between $6 and $8 million,
made 77 recommendations for improving the condition of the
lower Delaware Basin. Among these were recommendations for a
"comprehensive environmental policy plan," including
watershed-base planning and forested corridors along
streams. Other recommendations of the report suggested
implementing a "toxic management strategy" aimed partially
at assisting residents in properly disposing chemicals and
adopting standards for plumbing fixtures that would aid
water conservation.
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