Celebrating 50 Years of Protecting the Watershed! 1964 - 2014
Barbara Paul poses with signed petitions for county and state environmental action
During a meeting early on in the proceedings, Republican state committeeman, Andrew Lewis said, “We recognize this as a non-partisan matter. We recognize that it is a concern of all, Republicans and Democrats alike.”
.... there was a suggestion that maybe they could bring in manatees to eat the weeds.
The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy (PWC), originally named the Perkiomen Valley Watershed Association, came into being as a group of concerned citizens who desired to protect the watershed environment. Increased human use and activity in and along the creek degraded the water quality of the Perkiomen. A record drought from 1962 to 1966 made matters worse by causing some streams to dry up and by lowering groundwater levels. What remained of the surface water system could not carry away an overload of agricultural, industrial and community pollutants. These pollutants caused the growth of aquatic vegetation which held a layer of scum and algae on the surface. Besides the stench of the fermenting plant growth, this was also an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Recreation had come to a halt - no boating, fishing or swimming in the Perkiomen Creek.
Led by Barbara Paul, a petition drive was started and 2000 signatures were collected. These petitions along with photos of the creek degradation were presented to local, county and state officials asking for assistance in cleaning up the Perkiomen.
Photo Credit: Jen Isett
The Perkiomen Creek was back up to clean standards by 1973 thanks to the persistence, determination and hard work of the Perkiomen Valley Watershed Association , Perkiomen Valley’s Clean Stream Committee, local volunteers and action minded public officials.
This hard work of the Conservancy and the community carries on today so that we may all continue to enjoy the natural resources of the Perkiomen Creek Watershed. Please consider supporting the goals and the mission of the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy by attending an event, becoming a member, or making a donation today!
More history here...
"An informed citizen is the best protection against degradation of the environment." - Barbara Paul
To check for a leaky septic tank, Dr. Trembley said homeowners could pour rhodamine-B, non-poisonous dye, into their septic tanks. "If a neighbor's drinking water turns red, your face will too."
