A new report released by the statewide nonprofit group PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center showed that the Delaware River and streams throughout the Philadelphia region regularly test positive for harmful levels of bacteria.
Along the Philadelphia section of the Delaware River, tests showed elevated fecal bacteria levels at 37 of 43 testing locations. Twelve of the 43 locations exceeded unsafe levels on 100% of the days tested. At the Pennypack Creek, Poquessing Creek and Schuylkill River, potentially unsafe levels were found on 73% of days, 57% and 55% of days tested, respectively.
“From the tiniest tributaries of the Schuylkill to the mighty Delaware, Philadelphians love to walk, hike, boat, fish and even swim in and around the region’s amazing waterways. But too many days a year, the places where we want to cool off, paddle or cast a line are unsafe,” said Stephanie Wein, clean water and conservation advocate for PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center…