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VIENNA — Each year, the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance (NWA) releases a report card that evaluates the condition of the river and gives it grades for its overall health. These grades are based on information collected by Nanticoke Creekwatchers.
The Nanticoke Creekwatchers program works with volunteers who regularly test the river’s water quality. From March to November, they measure things like pH, oxygen levels and water clarity at various locations.
These tests help the organization determine whether the water contains too many nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. High levels can lead to excessive algae growth.
When algae bloom, they reduce oxygen levels in the water and block sunlight, damaging aquatic life and creating “dead zones” where fish and other organisms cannot survive. Additionally, some algae blooms are harmful and can cause illness in pets or people.
“It is important that NWA continues to work closely with our Nanticoke Creekwatchers program to keep a close eye on the health of the Nanticoke River,” the group said in a statement. “We must maintain the river to avoid dead zones and keep the river healthy.”
This year the report shows:
- Marshyhope Creek and the Delaware Headwaters received a grade of B-, making them the healthiest areas.
- The Lower Nanticoke also received a grade of B-, representing a positive improvement since 2015.
- Upper Nanticoke, Broad Creek and Lower Creeks received a grade of C.
- The lowest readings were at Upper Nanticoke and Broad Creek, continuing a worrying trend. However, there have been some improvements:
- Marshyhope Creek’s nitrogen rating improved from F in 2022 to D in 2023.
- The Lower Nanticoke and Lower Creeks showed better results in phosphorus and chlorophyll levels.
- Water clarity has either decreased or remained the same in most areas, but oxygen levels are healthy throughout the river.
“The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance would like to thank our dedicated Nanticoke Creekwatchers and partners, including the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative, for their continued support,” the statement said. “The Nanticoke Creekwatchers follow the highest standards for voluntary monitoring, designated Tier 3 in the Chesapeake Bay Program.”
To read the full report, visit nanticokeriver.org/creekwatcher/creekwatcher-reports.
