Photo Credit: Rick Darke

The Watershed is a wonderful place to work, play and live. As more and more people move into the watershed to enjoy its scenic beauty and proximity to metropolitan areas, however, stresses are becoming apparent on our land, water and other natural resources. White Clay Creek provides an abundant drinking water supply, both for watershed residents and for much of northern Delaware, including the city of Newark. Of special significance is the high quality Cockeysville aquifer that provides well water to many homes. These water resources, though, are showing stress from the growing population and suburban development, and over 75% of White Clay Creek is currently designated “impaired” by the states of PA and DE. As rainwater washes across the land, it carries sediment, nutrients and chemicals from lawns, parking lots and other land uses. Some of these soak into the ground and into our groundwater, while others go directly into our streams. The increase in impervious surfaces that accompanies development means that less water infiltrates into the ground. Consequently, more water – and the pollution carried with it - flows directly into streams during storms, increasing both flooding and pollution.

What can you do to reduce runoff?

• Plant native trees and shrubs along stream banks.
• Fence cows, horses and other livestock out of streams.
• Don’t mow up to the edge of a stream.

• Control soil erosion whenever you disturb the ground.
• Pick up pet wastes.
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and toward
• Establish rain gardens that allow rainwater to slowly
• Use rain barrels to collect and store water for gardening.

Here are more ideas of what homeowners can do to help protect the watershed