Flow Facts:
Area: 78 square Miles
Population within Watershed: Approximately 500,000 people
DEP Stream Designations/ Uses:
Counties: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
Chester County Municipalities:
Tredyffrin Twp., Easttown Twp.
Delaware County Municipalities:
Radnor Twp., Newtown Twp., Marple Twp, Haverford Twp., Upper Darby Twp., Springfield Twp. Millbourne Borough, Lansdowne Borough, East Lansdowne Borough, Clifton Heights Borough, Morton Borough, Aldan Borough, Darby Borough, Yeadon Borough, Collingdale Borough, Darby Twp., Rutledge Borough, Ridley Twp., Ridley Park Borough, Prospect Park Borough, Glenolden Borough, Sharon Hill Borough, Colwyn Borough, Folcroft Borough, Norwood Borough, Tinicum Twp.
Montgomery County Municipalities:
Lower Merion Twp., Narberth Borough, Philadelphia County: City of Philadelphia
Watershed Groups and Partnerships:
Darby Creek Valley Association, Darby-Cobbs Partnership River Conservation Plan: The Darby Watershed Conservation Plan Cobbs Management Plan: Draft Document Act 167 Plan- This comprehensive stormwater management plan has been completed and should have been adopted by all municipalities in the watershed. Contact your local official for a copy of the ordinance.
History/ Description:
The Darby watershed is a developed urban area. Historically the development dates back to the first days of William Penn and Swedish settlers that called the area home in the late 1600’s. Over the last several centuries the area has become mostly urban with some suburban locales along the northern and eastern fringes. Flooding and stormwater have plagued the watershed due to over-development and failed or nonexistent stormwater controls. The watershed is relatively small, but contains many local governments including the City of Philadelphia. The Darby Creek flows into the Delaware River just below Philadelphia International Airport. Priority sites: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Projects: Bartram Park Streambank Restoration Link to Stream flow- USGS does not operate a gauging station on this watershed.
Riparian buffer restoration at Bartram Park in Darby
July 17, 2004 flooding along Bartram Park in Darby
July 17, 2004 Flooding along Scottdale Rd. in Lansdowne July 17, 2004 Debris collection at MacDade Blvd. Bridge in Darby during flood event