Delaware County, in southeastern Pennsylvania bordering Philadelphia County, is considered one of the state s most highly urbanized counties. It contains many streams that flow through rural, suburban and urban sections of the county, eventually making their way to the Delaware Bay. Along the way, the streams pick up fertilizers, pesticides, and other nonpoint source pollutants. Once in the Bay, these pollutants can cause great damage to the ecosystem. The Delaware Bay is an estuary an area where freshwater and saltwater from the ocean mix.
Estuaries are important nurseries for fish and other aquatic life.
Like the Chesapeake Bay, our downstream neighbor, the Delaware Bay suffers from an overabundance of nutrients caused by nonpoint source pollution. This causes an overabundance of algae, which uses up oxygen needed by aquatic plants and animals to survive. Municipalities, large and small, are working to control urban runoff and improve sewage treatment systems. More and more cities are promoting open green space to help absorb runoff, and are exploring innovative ways to balance new development with environmental protection. Whether you live in a large city or a small town, you can play a part in controlling urban runoff and nonpoint source pollution.