Darby-Cobbs Watershed

Although the Schuylkill Watershed is really important, as its size affects many people and wildlife habitats, I've moved my focus just west to study the Darby-Cobbs Watershed.

I have found a surprising wealth of information through the Philadelphia Water Department and Philly H2O, a site displaying the findings of a history consultant's look into the watershed history of the city. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)'s website is a great compilation of work that has been done and current status of the watershed.  It has links to its partner organizations and many reports that have been created.

A Redirection

After spending a few weeks exploring the Anacostia watershed, I’ve decided to change my focus to another geographic area.  I found that the AWS had a great program and citizen engagement and DC’s stormwater regulations paired with DC Water’s construction of sewage storage facilities will get the river back on track to better water quality. 

I have an interest in the Philadelphia region and may find myself living and working there in the future, so I’m now looking into any gaps in information, leadership, services, and planning initiatives in the Schuylkill watershed, one of the main rivers that flows through Philadelphia.  Philly also has a combined sewer system (where sewage and wastewater mix and are both treated at wastewater treatment plants), and is focusing on reducing stormwater runoff to prevent contaminated wastewater overflow into waterways.  My analysis will include some spatial data in ArcGIS. 

Image from 2001 Schuylkill Watershed Conservation Plan, http://www.schuylkillplan.org