One of our main problems in our water is runoff. In order to improve our water quality we must learn to control runoff. Areas which were once forests, farms, and meadows are being transformed into houses, shopping centers, roadways, and parking lots. Rainwater was once absorbed into vegetated soils which recharged aquifers and helped maintain healthy waterways. Now rainwater collects on non-porous surfaces, in detention basins, and systems of drainage pipes which dump it directly into streams, wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Our man-made approach to storm water has caused flooding, well problems, and an overall decline in water quality.

Roots from stream side vegetation help control runoff.		All the snow and water that falls on "championship hill" behind Pennridge High School eventually moves to the nearby East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek.
Erosion of the banks of East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek is evident throughout its length in the Pennridge School District.		Storm runoff at this little creek at the same location is significant.
Stream channelization in Sellersville at branch Perkiomen Creek next to the bike trail in Lenape Park.		A conventional detention basin in front of our school is typical of modern development in our area.

CAUSES OF RUNOFF

Removing vegetation at M & M Quarry at Cathill & Quarry Roads can significantly increase runoff.		Paved parking lots don't allow water to be absorbed into the ground as it naturally would be.		New building near Moods Bridge in East Rockhill Township uses a containment system to control runoff where vegetation was removed.

PROBLEMS

The impact of storm water on stream habitat include increased non-point pollution, accelerated bank erosion, channel widening, reduced depth, loss of shade and increased temperature. All of these factors can affect the overall quality of our local waterways and the creatures that live in it .

SOLUTIONS

Increasing native vegetation along waterway, soil containment systems, and reducing the use of non porous materials (macadam or cement) help to reduce runoff. Use of swales and french drains and other "infiltration" practices along large paved surfaces will also help the problem. Finally, better land development practices which keep soil and natural vegetation in place need to be implemented.

	Increased water in the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek has caused erosion of the creek banks. These photos show recent efforts to reduce erosion of the bank in Sellersville.