
The Protected Area, where more stringent regulations apply to ground water withdrawals than they do in the rest of the Delaware River Basin, was established by the Commission in 1980 at the request of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after it became evident that development was negatively impacting ground water levels.
The goal is to prevent depletion of ground water and protect the interests and rights of lawful users of the same water source, as well as balance and reconcile alternative and conflicting uses of limited water resources in the region.
Lowered water tables in the Protected Area have reduced flows in some streams and dried up others. This reduction in baseflows affects downstream water uses, negatively impacts aquatic life, and can reduce the capacity of waterways in the region to assimilate pollutants.
The Protected Area use a two-tiered system of water withdrawal limits.
- Establish protocol for updating and revising withdrawal limits to provide additional protection for streams designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as "high quality," or "wild, scenic or pastoral" as defined by the state's Scenic Rivers program.
After holding public briefings and hearings, the Commission on January 28, 1998 amended the 1980 regulations to establish numerical ground water withdrawal limits for the 14 watersheds in the Neshaminy Creek Basin. The DRBC on June 23, 1999 again amended its regulations to establish numerical withdrawal limits for the 62 additional subbasins, or watersheds. The Commission held a public hearing on March 9, 1999 prior to adopting the latter amendment.
The limits were derived from baseflow characteristics of geologic formations that were developed in a study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). A geographic information system (GIS) was then used to generate overlay maps of the original 14 subbasins located in the Neshaminy Creek Basin. The study later was broadened to include the 62 additional subbasins that fall either entirely or partially within the Protected Area. GIS mapping also was prepared for these watersheds.
The results of both studies are recorded on a CD-ROM which is available from the Commission. Specific software, the Access database, and ArcView from ESRI are required to view the CD-ROM. To review the CD-ROM at the Commission's offices, please contact Judith Strong at (609) 883-9500 ext. 263 for an appointment. To order the CD-ROM at a cost of $10, please contact Carolyn Hartman at (609)883-9500 ext. 249. To review the CD-ROM at locations within the protected area, please contact Susan M. Weisman at (609) 883-9500 ext. 203.
The Ground Water Protected Area takes in 1,200 square miles and includes 127 municipalities. In addition to the Neshaminy Creek Watershed, other large drainage areas include the Brandywine Creek, Perkiomen Creek, and Wissahickon Creek subbasins.
In addition to all of Montgomery County, the following areas in surrounding counties fall within the Protected Area:
Lehigh: Lower Milford Township.
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