From the water that we drink and use to the rain that falls on the ground–every drop makes its way, eventually, to a river.

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, as elsewhere, much of the pollution that makes its way into our rivers comes from human use. Wastewater treatment plants and septic systems near creeks release pollution that leads to algae and unsafe bacteria. When it rains, road runoff full of grit, bacteria, and salt is carried by ditches and storm drains into creeks. This can cause a range of different impacts to people and pets, from erosion to unhealthy water quality to less opportunities for fishing. This kind of pollution can be reduced with the right infrastructure upgrades, including nature-based “green” infrastructure–but raising the funds for these types of big projects can be challenging.

American Rivers is working in Pennsylvania and across the country to ensure that rivers and communities thrive together.

By working to ensure river-friendly natural infrastructure solutions are adequately managed and supported, we are keeping millions of gallons of polluted stormwater and sewage from being dumped into our rivers. Over the past several years the Northeastern PA region has seen some big investments that are already leading to cleaner rivers, and better and safer fishing, swimming, and boating.

• On the Lackawanna River, the City of Scranton and Vandling Borough received $4.3 Million collectively to treat wastewater before it’s discharged to the river, and to better manage and reuse stormwater. The investments will reduce bacteria and other pollution in the Lackawanna, and will also help reduce the risk of flooding when it rains.
• In Luzerne County, Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority received $1.1 Million to reduce polluted runoff using nature-based “green” infrastructure. As part of this project, more than 16,000 feet of eroding and damaged streams will be restored. This will reduce flooding and pollution in Abrahams, Gardener, Mill, Newport, Spring Run, Solomon, and Warrior Creeks, all of which drain to the majestic Susquehanna River.
• In the eastern part of the NEPA region, Auburn Borough and Hamilton Township both received big investments to manage stormwater and treat wastewater before it enters the Schuylkill and Lehigh Rivers, both of which drain to the Delaware.

The federal government recently increased the amount of money available for water infrastructure funding—which will likely lead to more projects like these in the future

These projects show how local, state, and federal governments can work together for clean water and healthy rivers. This kind of collaboration is essential to protecting the iconic rivers that make the NEPA region a destination for fishing, boating, and enjoying the outdoors.

Learn about the issues impacting NEPA’s rivers — and how you can make a difference at AmericanRivers.org.

Featured image (top) the Delaware River.