Is Delaware River water clean?

For its size, the Upper Delaware River contains some of the highest water quality in the eastern United States. The upper portion of the watershed remains largely forested. These forests act as a natural buffer against pollution and erosion by filtering water, which is very important for maintaining water quality.



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Swimming in areas of the river outside the life guarded beaches is permitted, but not recommended. Strong currents, sharp drop-offs, and constantly changing river conditions make many areas unsafe for swimming. Wearing a properly fitting life jacket is strongly recommended when swimming. Never swim alone.

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Though many humans don't suffer directly from water quality issues within the state, the natural world and all of the services that it provides are greatly impacted. In a report done by the Environmental Integrity Project, 97% of Delaware's waterways were deemed to be polluted.

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While the entire tidal river is part of the estuary, salinity levels vary from the Delaware Bay (saltwater) to Wilmington, Del. (brackish) to Philadelphia, Pa. and Trenton, N.J. (mostly freshwater).

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Certainly, not all waterways are swimmable even in 2019, but they are much cleaner. Some portions of the Delaware are swimmable based on bacteria levels. Other portions are not, including where the teens gathered near the defunct Pier 18, also known as Graffiti Pier.

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On March 24, 2023, the Trinseo Altuglas chemical plant in Bristol, Pennsylvania in the United States had an equipment failure that resulted in a leak of between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons of butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and methyl methacrylate into Otter Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River.

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Some popular Delaware River swimming holes are located at Bulls Island just north of New Hope and Lambertville, Farview in Stroudsburg, Flatbrook and Milford swimming holes in Milford, and at the Trestle Bridge in Columbia, New Jersey. 112 Popular swimming lakes include Crater Lake and Highlands Natural Pool.

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However, the most famous fact about the Delaware River is the famous crossing of it by George Washington in 1776 which helped him successfully surprise Hessian troops in New Jersey during the American Revolution.

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Delaware River Basin waterways are still polluted 50 years after the Clean Water Act | Opinion. Published: Oct. 30, 2022, 6:01 p.m.

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The chemicals released into the Delaware River include butyl acrylate, a flammable liquid used to manufacture paints, coatings, caulks, sealants, and adhesives. The same chemical was also released into a river in East Palestine, Ohio as a result of the Norfolk Southern train derailment.

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Fish consumption advisories issued in early 2018 show that the concentration of chemical contaminants in fish caught from Delaware waterways continues to decline – which indicates water quality is improving throughout the state and also means that fish caught in many Delaware waters can be eaten with lowered concerns ...

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There are bull shark occasionally in the Delaware river. One was caught in a net in 1908 basically across the river from where the Philly Airport is today.

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Enjoy a scenic, fun and refreshing 3 - 4 hour tube, raft, canoe or kayak ride down the Delaware River, which is the nation's most historic river and perfect for outdoor water sport activities.

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The chemicals released into the Delaware River include butyl acrylate, a flammable liquid used to manufacture paints, coatings, caulks, sealants, and adhesives. The same chemical was also released into a river in East Palestine, Ohio as a result of the Norfolk Southern train derailment.

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Vibrio are bacteria that occur naturally in brackish waters such as the Delaware Bay, the Inland Bays and tributaries, especially during warm weather months.

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The Delaware River is known for freshwater populations of striped bass, muskellunge, brown trout, yellow perch, and American shad. When you visit New Jersey, be sure to plan a Delaware River fishing trip.

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Residents can track the impact of the spill on a map provided by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. Officials say there is no risk associated with inhaling the water or skin contact. Bathing and showering with water is fine.

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Motorboating. Unlimited horsepower motors are permitted on the Delaware River. Many boat launches are along the river. Electric motors (slow, no-wake speed) are permitted on the 50-acre Giving Pond.

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