From power supply and transportation conduit for early industry , to the inspiration for artists , water has framed and shaped the economy , culture and history of the Delaware region . Today , nearly all of Delaware ’ s rivers , streams , and ponds are polluted due to industrial toxins , nutrient pollution from wastewater plants and septic systems , runoff pollution from housing , roads and parking lots , and contributions from agricultural practices .
On December 10 , 2016 , the U . S . Congress passed the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act ( DRBCA ) as part of a larger legislative package known as the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation ( WIIN ).
This is a major accomplishment for local lawmakers and stakeholders who have been working for decades to secure the federal support achieved by other major watersheds , such as the Chesapeake Bay . The DRBCA will establish a coordinated approach for identifying , prioritizing , and implementing restoration and protection activities throughout the basin while supporting on-the-ground projects to protect our water quality , recreation opportunities , and critical wildlife habitat .
The Delaware River Watershed spans 330 miles and four states . From its source in the Catskill Mountains , the Delaware waterways flow downstream past rural , suburban and urban areas such as Trenton , Philadelphia and Wilmington . More than 15 million people , including the City of Wilmington and much of New Castle County , rely on Delaware River waterways for clean drinking water . The watershed contributes $ 25 billion annually in economic activity and supports 600,000 jobs in our region .
The Watershed also provides critical habitat to hundreds of plant and wildlife species . The Delaware Bay has the second largest concentration of shorebirds in North America and is designated as one of the four most important shorebird migration sites in the world . Additionally , the Delaware River Basin provides habitat for over 200 resident and migrant fish species , includes significant recreational fisheries , an important source of eastern oyster and blue crab , and is home to the largest population of the American horseshoe crab .
Delaware Nature Society has focused on water quality issues for the past 50 years . The passing of the DRBCA adds additional momentum to our efforts to improve our waterways . We are the State lead for the Coalition of the Delaware River Watershed , which increases our ability to make a difference in protecting and improving Delaware ’ s water .
On behalf of all of us at Delaware Nature Society , our partners in Clean Water , and our Water Warriors like you , we extend our sincere thanks to all of Delaware ’ s decision makers including Governor John Carney , Senator Chris Coons , and Senator Tom Carper for their leadership on this important legislation !
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