In many ways, the almost pristine quality of the Conodoguinet is in jeopardy, and the ability to meet all of the competing, demands placed upon it is in doubt. Population data from the municipalities and townships in the drainage basin indicate that the population in the watershed has increased from 55,323 in 1940 to 126,452 in 1980, an overall increase of 129 percent. The rate of increase has been rather steady, averaging more than 23 percent each decade. The most rapidly growing areas are in the eastern or downstream portions of the watershed, with Hampden Township being the fastest growing area, with 1,168 percent growth over the 40-year period. As population grows, the demands on the creek intensify.
Water supply is an increasingly important issue.
Withdrawals from the river may already he having impacts on the ability of the stream to provide suitable habitat for fish, such as smallmouth bass and numerous panfish species during periods of low flow. Current proposals would increase the amount of water that could be taken from the creek. At the same time, the urbanization and paving of large areas of the watershed result in dramatic increases in stormwater runoff, leading to periodic high flows that erode streambanks and, in the long run, add silt to the already-shallow creek bottom. The combined effect of heavy silt deposits and large withdrawals of water from the creek can have a dramatic effect on water quality, reducing the Conodoguinet's ability to dilute pollution. The lower reaches of the Conodoguinet are relied upon to handle increasing loads of treated sewage effluent from the six treatment plants, as well as other wastes including lawn clippings and debris carelessly discarded by homeowners along the stream.