15 Million Reasons
to Stand up for Clean Water
A campaign to protect the region’s water, wildlife, and jobs
Nearly 15 million people in four states depend on the Delaware River basin for clean drinking water. As the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi, the Delaware is the backbone of a strong recreation and tourism economy that provides jobs and support to our communities. The Delaware River basin has many rivers, creeks and streams that host a diverse array of wildlife – from bald eagles to bog turtles; from brook trout to horseshoe crabs. The Delaware River has seen improvements over the last few decades, but its health is in jeopardy as federal environmental regulations are threatened. Now, it’s up to the four states that share the river – New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware – to stand up and protect our vital natural resource. We’re asking the governors of these four states to commit to working together to protect the Delaware for us and for future generations.
It’s time to come together. Read on to learn more and find out how you can be a part of the solution.
Safe Drinking Water
Nearly 15 million people in four states depend on the Delaware River for clean drinking water. The health of the Delaware River system has improved over recent years as we’ve reduced toxic industrial pollution. But we have more work to do, and the river still faces threats like overdevelopment and stormwater pollution. Today the water is cleaner than in years, but our governors must stand up to ensure that our water is safe to drink.
Healthy Habitat for Wildlife
The Delaware River and its tributaries flow through our forests, communities, farms and faucets, connecting millions of people and wildlife across four states. Its waters support countless species of fish, mussels, birds and other native wildlife. But populations of butterflies, frogs, fish and songbirds are in trouble. We can and must turn this around—but it will require efforts at a scale that match the magnitude of the crisis. We can restore our rivers, streams, lakes, aquifers, springs, and wetlands on which wildlife depend and we hold dear – it starts with a healthy Delaware.
Photo Credit: Derek Brusse
Protecting Jobs & Our Way of Life
From the Schuylkill to the Lehigh, the West Branch to the Christina, the network of rivers of the Delaware powers a $20+ billion economy and creates more than half a million jobs. Restoring the Delaware will provide even more economic opportunities, ranging from bolstering commercial fisheries, expanding tourism and promoting urban revitalization. Protecting clean water protects our economic engine.
The Solution: 4 States Working Together
Right now the Delaware receives little national attention and no dedicated federal funding before this year. We can stand up and make a difference that starts with our leaders working together. We’re asking our governors in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware to join forces to create a vision for our region’s clean drinking water, healthy habitat, and economy. Learn more about how you can help.
Jmalik - Wikimedia Commons
Partners
