A watershed is an area of land that drains surrounding streams and tributaries to a single larger body of water such as a creek, river or the ocean.
The Wissahickon Watershed consists of 64 square miles, flowing downhill to the Wissahickon Creek or one of its tributaries.
Over many decades, the replacement of forests with housing and commercial development has resulted in a decrease in the amount of water that seeps into the ground. As a result, creeks and rivers flood more often with heavy rains, bringing increased pollutants to our waterways.
Whatever happens to the surrounding land in our communities affects the water quality of the Creek. Protecting the Wissahickon means we all have a stake in protecting the land in this vital watershed.
Visit our YouTube Channel for the short video "What is a Watershed and Why" by The Weather Channel and the US EPA.
Part or all of the following communities lie within the watershed of the Wissahickon Creek:
- Montgomery Township
- Lansdale Borough
- North Whales Borough
- Upper Gwynedd Township
- Lower Gwynedd Township
- Whitpain Township
- Ambler Borough
- Upper Dublin Township
- Whitemarsh Township
- Abington Township
- Springfield Township