Is the Wissahickon Creek Safe Now?

Pollutant and water quality levels in the Wissahickon Creek have remained level over the last 15 years, which means that efforts at water management are working. Otherwise, the water quality would have degraded even further in that time.

Still, experts raised some concerns about the creek's health during a forum at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Thursday. When they were asked, for example, whether fish in the Wissahickon are safe to eat, they deferred to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for the final word.

But John Jackson, an entomologist senior research scientist with the Stroud Water Research Center, said he thought it would not be advisable.

When an audience member wanted to know if the creek was safe to touch and whether children should be allowed to play in the water, Jackson said he did not believe it was a problem.

“I wouldn’t think twice about it,” he said, explaining that his technicians taking water samples did not take any special precautions when wading in the creek.

Chris Crockett, who is the deputy commissioner of Planning and Environmental Services at the Philadelphia Water Department said that his own children often turn over rocks in the Wissahickon, looking to see if they can find a crayfish or other natural life in the creek.

“We wash our hands afterwards,” he said, “with antibacterial soap or rinse.”

Toddlers who might put wet hands in their mouths after playing in the creek should avoid contact with the water, and people who are immune-compromised should consult their doctor on this question.

No one said swimming in the water was a good idea. 

Still, Jackson was upbeat.

“As bad as you might feel based on the data, there are really a lot worse places to be,” he said.

There are also ways homeowners can help. They can aid stormwater management efforts by installing rain barrels, planting rain gardens and avoiding disposal of chemicals and pet waste into storm drains.

“We need to get the water into the ground where it comes down,” Collier added.