Schuylkill

Overview

The Schuylkill River became the first scenic river designated in Pennsylvania and one-quarter of the watershed is designated as high quality or exceptional waters. The river and its tributaries have long been recognized for the important role they play as a source of drinking water and fish habitat. As the largest tributary to the Delaware River, The Schuylkill River is a major contributor to the Delaware Estuary.

The Schuylkill River serves as a natural border between the City of Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township and flows through Fairmount Park, originally established to preserve the water quality in the Schuylkill River for Philadelphia’s drinking water supply. Today, many visitors to Philadelphia don’t miss the spectacular view of boathouse row, The Fairmount Water Works, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art along the banks of the Schuylkill River. The area of watershed within Philadelphia is extremely urbanized and includes a diverse mix of neighborhoods, center city business district, numerous educational institutions and industrial uses.

Fast Facts

Area

drains approximately 2,000 square miles

Stream Miles

approximately 130 linear miles

Population

approximately 1.5 million residents

Impervious Cover

approximately 10% impervious

Counties / Municipalities

Encompasses areas of 11 counties, including Schuylkill, Berks, Montgomery, Chester, Philadelphia, Carbon, Lehigh, Lebanon, Lancaster, Bucks, and Delaware

Partnerships

Within the Schuylkill Watershed exists a myriad of spirited residents, community groups, businesses, and institutions that advocate partnership opportunities to protect and enhance watershed and waterway resources. Learn more about these stewards, their initiatives, and how you can make a difference within the Schuylkill Watershed.

Watershed Resources

Interactive Map

This dynamic map will enable you to see the specific locations of featured projects and PWD initiatives within this watershed.

Virtual Tours

Take our Watershed Tour to see notable landmarks and hidden treasures that define the character of this watershed's past, present and future.

History

Source water protection and the development of water and stormwater infrastructure helped shape the character of our watersheds. Understanding this history is fundamental to stormwater management strategies and other site development regulations we implement today.

Key Documents/Maps

These core documents and maps reflect the research and planning we've conducted in order to determine the condition of this watershed and strategize future improvements.

Data

A wealth of data is available for you to learn more about the health and quality of this watershed's waterways.

Watershed Issues

The Schuylkill Action Network has six working groups to address the issues identified in the watershed including Abandoned Mine Drainage, Agriculture, Pathogens/Compliance, Stormwater, Watershed and Land Protection, and Education and Outreach.

What We're Doing

  • Beginning in 2010, PWD will develop an Integrated Watershed Management Plan to guide restoration and preservation within the city portion of the Schuylkill River Watershed.
  • As a key partner, PWD supports the Schuylkill Action Network by providing technical assistance.
  • PWD also participates in the Coalition for Philadelphia’s Riverfronts to support a high quality, continuous, connected riverfront greenway along the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. This greenway will contain a multi-use trail and vegetated green space to manage stormwater, protect the rivers from pollution, and attract wildlife back to the riverbanks.
  • The PWD Model Neighborhoods Initiative includes many neighborhoods in the Schuylkill River Watershed including Manayunk, East Falls, Gray's Ferry, Point Breeze, and Allegheny West.

What's In It For You

Our watershed partners provide a wide array of opportunities to learn and get involved:

  • Discover the history and current human and ecological uses of the Schuylkill River at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center.
  • Take a river cruise, find upcoming events, or explore other recreational activities available in Philadelphia along the Schuylkill Banks.
  • Find information on community events, recreational trails, planning initiatives, kayak tours, and destinations along the Schuylkill River in East Falls, Manayunk, and Lower Merion visit http://www.destinationschuylkillriver.org.
  • Stroll to the shore of the Tidal Schuylkill River at Bartram's Garden, America’s oldest living botanic garden.
  • Plan your visit to the numerous tourist attractions throughout the Schuylkill River National and State Historic Area at http://www.schuylkillriver.org.