PROTECT, APPRECIATE, ENJOY THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

We know the Delaware River is cleaner than ever. In fact, its cleanup is hailed as one of the world's top water quality success stories. But, the river still faces challenges to its sustainability as a public resource for drinking water, recreation and environmental habitat. Pollution due to chemicals, pesticides and herbicides is one of the primary threats, along with rising sea levels and flooding. Population growth and development can also negatively impact water resources.

 

“Our Shared Waters: A Look at the Delaware River Basin” is an effort of Delaware River Basin stakeholder groups to educate the public and decisionmakers about the current state of the Basin and the opportunities available to support its continued sustainability now and for future generations.

 

The Delaware River extends 330 miles through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware and is the largest water source in our area. It is fed by 216 smaller, named rivers, creeks and streams that we know of as our local waterways. The surrounding lands and all these waterways make up the Delaware River Basin. 

 

Over 13 million Americans depend on the waters of the Delaware River Basin for drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing, and for growing our food. The Basin is also home to fish, animals and plants that are an important part of our ecosystem. Millions more people visit the basin each year to watch birds, canoe, fish, hunt and enjoy nature. 

 

The health of the Delaware River and the sustainability of the Basin is critical. We hope this site will bring to life the ways in which we all interact with the Delaware River Basin and the important role we play in its continued improvement.