About the Schuylkill

The Schuylkill River is at the forefront of our regional collaborative effort to ensure clean and safe drinking water.

overview

The Schuylkill River is the largest tributary to the Delaware River. The river originates in the rolling hills of Schuylkill County and runs approximately 130 miles to where it flows into the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The Schuylkill River is an irreplaceable source of drinking water for millions of people in southeastern Pennsylvania, flowing through a watershed that spans nearly 2,000 square miles and extends into portions of 11 counties.

For centuries, the Schuylkill River has been vital to southeastern Pennsylvania, from supporting indigenous communities to driving industrial progress. However, the demands placed on the river over centuries have also posed significant environmental challenges. Industrial pollution, urban runoff, and inadequate wastewater management led to a severe decline in water quality by the mid-20th century. But, the story of the Schuylkill is also one of resilience and recovery.

our role

Today, the Schuylkill River is at the forefront of a regional collaborative effort called the Schuylkill Action Network to ensure clean and safe drinking water. Through the combined work of public and private organizations, communities are reconnecting with the river, recognizing its importance as a natural resource, a source of drinking water for millions, and a space for recreation and wildlife.

Source water protection involves safeguarding the areas surrounding the Schuylkill and its tributaries, particularly the headwater streams that are most vulnerable to contamination. This protection is vital for maintaining the river’s ability to recharge groundwater, support aquatic life, and provide clean water for millions. Projects are underway to manage stormwater, reduce agricultural runoff, and remediate abandoned mine sites, all of which contribute to improving the river’s health.

Protecting and enhancing this vital resource is essential for ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from all that the Schuylkill has to offer.

Cover photo credit: Ed Bacon