Delaware River
LIFEBLOOD OF THE NORTHEAST
More than 17 million people get their drinking water from the Delaware River basin, including two of the five largest cities in the U.S.—New York City and Philadelphia. Any yet, the river offers so much more than a drinking water supply to the 42 counties and five states it passes through on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Steeped in history, dripping with scenic beauty, and essential to the existence of some of the most significant communities along the Eastern seaboard, the Delaware River undeniably contributes its share to the lifeblood of the nation. From Gen. George Washington’s celebrated Revolutionary War crossing near Trenton, upstream to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and into the forests and farmlands of its headwaters, the river offers something for everyone.
The upper Delaware was an obvious choice as one of America’s first Wild and Scenic Rivers. Since 1978, the 73 miles downstream from the confluence of the East and West branches cascading out of the Catskill Mountains have been formally recognized for their natural appeal and recreation value. Undammed for the entire 330 miles of its main stem, the free-flowing character of the upper Delaware provides exceptionally clean water and superior ecological integrity that hosts wildlife in abundance. Mink, muskrat, beavers, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, owls, bobcats, and otters all call the river valley home.
More than 200 avian species along the Atlantic Flyway rely on the upper Delaware, and the watershed hosts one of the largest populations of wintering bald eagles in the northeast. Great blue herons can sometimes be seen hunting American shad that travel unobstructed between the upper reaches of the river and the Atlantic Ocean. The urban Delaware River is home to globally rare freshwater tidal marshes and the nation’s first Urban National Wildlife Refuge and the Delaware Bay boasts the largest breeding population of horseshoe crabs in the world.
The Delaware River is well known for its fishing opportunities. Combined with its tributaries, the river supports more than 60 fish species—popular game fish like Eastern brook trout, striped bass, and migrating river herring among them. That’s a big part of the attraction for more than 500,000 people drawn to the Delaware annually to boat, camp, hunt, hike, watch wildlife, or just enjoy the scenery.
Did You know?
The Delaware Water Gap NRA was the result of a failed plan to build a dam on river at Tocks Island, just north of the Delaware Water Gap, for flood control and hydroelectric power. Due to environmental opposition and dwindling funds, the government transferred the property to the National Park Service in 1978.
George Washington’s army crossed the Delaware on the night of Dec. 25-26, 1776, for a successful surprise attack on the Hessian troops occupying Trenton, NJ, during the American Revolution.
The glowing neon sign across the river reading “Trenton Makes, the World Takes” originated from a 1910 Chamber of Commerce contest to sum up the city’s manufacturing virtues.
WHAT STATES DOES THE RIVER CROSS?
Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
What’s New
NEW REPORT: A Study of Equity and Green Investments in the State Revolving Funds of the Delaware River Watershed.
New Along the Delaware stories highlighting infrastructure funding workshops for municipalities, and the Search for the Cooper River expedition. See the story map
Gateway Gardens: a new approach to stormwater management. Download the brochure.
NEW FACT SHEET: Infrastructure Funding Advocacy Tips for the Delaware River Watershed.
NEW GUIDE: Using Clean Water State Revolving Funds for Greening and Climate Resilience: A Guide for Municipalities.
For all of these reasons (and more!) the Delaware River is one of two priority river basins for American Rivers in the Mid-Atlantic region, and our 2020 River of the Year.
Despite successful conservation efforts across the Delaware River basin, the hard-working river has not been immune to the pressures of development. Impacts from logging and mining in the headwaters, commercial and industrial activity downstream, and the burdens of sprawling and increasingly dense populations all require considerable management to overcome. The cleanup of industrial pollution in the Delaware River and estuary have been recognized as one of the premier water pollution control success stories in the U.S. However, the impacts of development combined with the unpredictable threat of climate change continue to threaten this vibrant river system.
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THE FUTURE
These days, tourism is the largest industry in the Upper Delaware region. For example, in Pike County, PA it provides jobs to 10 percent of the local population and $65 million to the local economy. In Sullivan County, NY, the year-round population more than triples on typical summer weekends, as folks seek out a place to play. Overall, the watershed contributes $22.5 billion a year to the economy from recreation, hunting and fishing, water quality and supply, ecotourism, forest, agriculture, open space, and port benefits.
The importance of connectivity remains a key part of the management plan, protecting headwater tributaries from the impacts of fracking as the river is restored downstream from historic mining damages. Tributary dam removal projects aim to further enhance water quality and potentially add to the watershed’s portfolio of more than 430 miles of Wild and Scenic River designation extending to the Maurice and Musconetcong Rivers in New Jersey, and the entire White Clay Creek in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Smart and sustainable management will be required if the Delaware River is to remain resilient to the challenges of natural gas exploration, aging water infrastructure, continued urban development, and climate change. American Rivers intends to be part of the solution, collaborating with the entire conservation community to increase awareness and federal funding for restoration in the basin, employ innovative policy to improve water quality and habitat, and help boost recognition of the importance of a drinkable, fishable, and swimmable Delaware River by local residents.
ALONG THE DELAWARE
The Delaware River is an extraordinary example of restoration and a model for equitable and innovative clean water solutions. Hop on our five day tour of 2020’s River of the Year, highlighting local leaders and clean water solutions! LEARN MORE
