Researchers at the Water Center at Penn recently offered several recommendations on how to improve Delaware River water quality to achieve safer conditions for swimming, fishing, and drinking, writes Richard Zhuang for The Daily Pennsylvanian.

Due to fecal bacteria levels, a 27-mile section of the river is currently considered unsafe for swimming. The study identified six local sites that could become swimmable within five years.

According to researchers, levels of bacteria in the Delaware River change based on the location and month. The quality conditions become worse during wetter months. The highest levels of fecal bacteria were detected close to a combined sewer outfall.

Improving old sewage infrastructure is key to achieving “swimmable” water, reported researchers. However, due to the costs and lengthy time frame, researchers also offered several cost-effective and timely methods to improve water quality.

The study found six watersheds to prioritize for treatment. The sites are already close to meeting safety standards and are near communities without other opportunities to engage in water activities.

To clean up the sites further, researchers recommended investing more in green stormwater infrastructure and advocating for funding, among other proposals.

Read more about the Water Center at Penn’s recommendations to improve the Delaware River’s water quality in The Daily Pennsylvanian.

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