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Water Resources

Watersheds:

Primrose Creek Watershed

Part of the settlement agreement between the Township, New Hope Crushed Stone and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection includes meeting with residents to identify immediate problem areas and improve communication about the quarry's mining operation.

Paunacussing Creek Watershed

The Paunacussing Creek Watershed stream restoration project is intended to restore the stream stability of the middle branch of Paunacussing Creek. Environmental Planning Consultants presented the plan to the Board of Supervisors in February, which you can read here.

Aquetong Watershed Association

The Aquetong Watershed Association (AWA) is seeking Solebury residents to join in its efforts to promote and preserve the natural environment and diverse community that is within the Aquetong Watershed. The Watershed has a drainage area of 8.39 square miles and contains approximately 23 miles of streams. About 30% of the watershed, primarily in the upper reaches of Solebury Township, is protected by conservation easements. There are over 3,000 residences and businesses in the Aquetong Watershed.

The Aquetong Watershed Association seeks to:

  • Protect natural resources, restore damaged areas, and promote the preservation of open space within the watershed
  • Proactively encourage the participation of individuals, businesses, and governments in decisions affecting the watershed
  • Provide the community with a greater sense of appreciation for the watershed and the importance of sustainable ecological management

The Association urges all property owners throughout the Solebury and New Hope to be a stream-friendly resident. Being stream-friendly is often a matter of being aware of how our actions affect the water quality and quantity of Solebury Township and New Hope Borough. No matter where you live, you live in a watershed, which is the area of land that drains into a common body of water. This means that many of the day-to-day choices you make directly impact on the greater community, good or bad.

Non-point source pollution is a major contributor to the contamination of streams and tributaries throughout Solebury Township’s and New Hope Borough’s watersheds. It is the result of pollution carried by stormwater or wastewater into our source of drinking water.

Here are some tips on the small things you can do to make a big difference:

  • Reduce the need to fertilize your lawn by leaving grass clippings in place after mowing.
  • Ensure your septic system is working properly. Have it inspected and pumped out every three years.
  • Consider Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control insects, animal and plant pests around your household in ways that minimize risk to humans and the environment. For example, attract insect-feeding birds by providing water and the appropriate feed to reduce the need for an over abundance of chemicals.
  • Create or expand plant beds and rain gardens to serve as buffers near water bodies, streets, driveways, and sidewalks to reduce runoff to keep pollutants and fertilizers on your lawn. Plant trees. Trees act as natural filters by removing nutrients and other pollution from storm water. Trees also improve air quality, reduce energy consumption by shading and cooling our homes and businesses, and provide valuable habitat.
  • Use the right plant in the right place. Select plants based on the conditions in your yard and the requirements of the plant (soil type, amount of sunlight, mature size of plant, etc.). Utilize plants and turf grasses that can rely mostly on normal rainfall conditions. Native, non-invasive plants are the best choice because they are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and provide habitat for wildlife.
  • Always recycle or dispose of hazardous chemicals properly and never pour them down storm drains, which lead directly back to your faucet. Find out when your community sponsors hazardous waste collections.
  • Conserve water. Fix leaky faucets, toilets, and hoses. Consider taking shorter showers and sweeping your driveway instead of hosing it off. Use mulch to keep your garden soil moist and save water.
  • Get out and enjoy the natural splendor of our local streams and their surroundings. A little appreciation goes a long way.
  • Spread the word. Encourage your friends and neighbors to do their part to protect our local water. Walk more, hike more, with family, with friends.

You may join the Aquetong Watershed Association or renew your membership for a cost of $20 individual / $30 household / $5 student. In addition, the AWA has Business Memberships for $100 and Lifetime Memberships for $1,000. We are solely supported by membership funds and gracious donations by members and friends. Our mailing address is: Aquetong Watershed Association, PO Box 504, New Hope, PA 18938.   

Learn more at the Aquetong Watershed Association website or contact them at info@aquetongwatershed.org or 267-714-8170. Follow us on Facebook too.