Envior Icon H2O Management

Haverford Township is home to Darby Creek and Cobbs Creek, both of which lie within the Delaware River Watershed. Therefore, the quality of and what exists within our creeks will impact and drain into the Delaware River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. Keeping our water resources clean and healthy is of utmost importance.

BOC Icon Protecting Our Environment

To protect our water resources, we need to protect our storm sewer system. If you witness dumping occurring into the Township's storm sewers (liquid or solid), please call the Haverford Township Police Department at 911. If you see obstructions of a storm inlet, or see a chemical liquid running into a storm inlet, call 610-446-1000 x2263 or x2264 to speak with the Public Works Department.

BOC Icon Eutrophication

When nutrients enter our waterways, they tend to remain in the aquatic environment and accumulate downstream. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus entering our waterways can lead to eutrophication in our lakes, estuaries (bays), and coastal waters. Eutrophication is caused by a build-up of nutrients in an aquatic environment that causes a rapid growth of nuisance algae. A harmful algal bloom can lead to reduced light penetration, which reduces plant growth and degrades habitats. Additionally, blooms can lead to extremely low dissolved oxygen levels due to bacteria using excess oxygen to digest large quantities of dead algae. Low dissolved oxygen levels can cause fish kills and create dead zones.
The most common sources of excess nitrogen and phosphorus are fertilizers, animal waste, soil erosion, and septic/wastewater systems.
As a homeowner, there are ways you can reduce nutrient pollution in our runoff:

  • Utilize slow-release fertilizers, which release nutrients gradually over time
  • Recycle your grass clippings, which will substitute a substantial portion of your fertilizer needs
  • Reduce the frequency of fertilizer applications, keeping it to once or twice a year
  • Consider phosphorous-free forms of fertilizer; you can mail a soil sample to Penn State to learn about your soil’s needs

    • BOC Icon Green Stormwater Infrastructure

    Green stormwater infrastructure is an environmentally-friendly way to manage stormwater. As extreme rainfall events become more frequent and more intense, green stormwater infrastructure like meadows, bioswales, rain gardens, and green roofs can protect our community and our water resources.
    In Haverford Township, we have a number of rain gardens in our parks and neighborhoods. Rain gardens are built to capture and hold stormwater during rain events. These gardens capture water before it enters storm sewers or streams. They help to remove pollutants as the water infiltrates the ground through the garden.

    BOC Icon Stormwater Ordinance & Informational Links to Explore

  • Stormwater Ordinance: Article II: Stormwater Management
  • Homeowners Guide to Stormwater BMP Maintenance
  • When it Rains, It Drains
  • Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Management Page Link
  • Clean Water: A Long Journey from the Source to Our Tap