The Poquessing Creek Watershed rises from tributary streams in Lower Moreland and Lower Southampton Townships. These waters join the mainstem of the creek, which then carves out the border between Bensalem Township and Philadelphia before discharging into the Delaware River.
Byberry Creek is a major tributary stream, draining the backyards and business centers of Northeast Philadelphia before joining the Poquessing just above Frankford Avenue. Overall, these creek make up an urbanized watershed that encompasses neighborhoods, commercial districts, businesses, and a patchwork of open space lands. It is designated for use as a warm water fishery, a spawning and nursery site for migratory fishes, and as a tributary to the Delaware River, the creek also serves as a source of drinking water for the City of Philadelphia.
Watershed residents and organizations have long sought to stitch together a network of trails and green spaces. While much of this vision is still on paper, steps are slowly being taken by Philadelphia and the three adjacent townships to acquire and restore trails, open space, and park lands within the Poquessing Creek Watershed, including the protection of some mature forest in Bensalem Township. In addition to these recreational benefits, the watershed provides several other services, including flood control, clean water, cooling in the summer, and higher property values, to name a few.
Watershed Fast Facts
Area
drains approximately 22 square miles
Stream Miles
approximately 45 linear miles
Population
approximately 105,000 residents
Counties/Municipalities
encompasses areas of Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery counties, with all or parts of four municipalities, including Lower Moreland, Bensalem, Lower Southampton, and Upper Southampton
Impervious Cover
approximately 38% impervious
Help protect your watershed!
Aquatic wildlife markers are an easy way to remind your neighborhood to keep trash and chemicals out of drains.