What are the environmental issues in the Delaware River?

Fertilizer runoff threatens the cranberry bogs that produce New Jersey's bountiful harvests. And on the southern Delaware Bayshore, climate change threatens forests and critical habitats. Creeping saltwater imperils the plants and animals, as well as the fresh drinking water supply to parts of South Jersey.



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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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The Delaware River Basin is home to a large variety of plants, wildlife and aquatic life, including more than 400 bird species and more than 100 species of fish. Many species are native to the Basin.

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Officials named three chemicals that were involved in the spill: butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate.

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No contaminants from the Bristol Township spill have been detected in the Delaware River water: tap water continues to be safe. Residents should continue to use tap water as they normally would.

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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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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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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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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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Searchers on Sunday found the body of a Paterson teenager who disappeared while swimming in the Delaware River three days earlier, the National Park Service announced.

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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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The Delaware River has a long history of flooding. The river's floodplain, as well as those of its tributaries, has been subject to both local and widespread damage.

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