We\u2019re commissioning some unlikely creatures to help keep our waterways clean – mussels.<\/big><\/p>\n
After being closed for more than two years following flood damage from Hurricane Ida, the Freshwater Mussel Hatchery<\/a> at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center<\/a> is having a busy spring and summer. This season will mark the third full year PWD is collaborating with the Aquatic Resource Restoration Center (ARRC)<\/a> to operate the educational hatchery in the historic building and learning space.<\/p>\n Totaling more than 700 species across the world<\/strong>, freshwater mussels can improve water quality and serve as indicators of aquatic health.<\/p>\n In the past, more than a dozen species lived in local waterways. However, only a few are found today around New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware<\/strong> \u2013 and populations continue to decline throughout nearby watersheds.<\/p>\n So, we\u2019re working to mend this reduction at the hatchery<\/strong> where we essentially raise these tiny aquatic animals before releasing them into waterways in and around Philadelphia<\/p>\n Since 2020, more than 25,000 mussels have been propagated at the hatchery<\/strong>, including five native freshwater mussel species. On a daily basis, just one adult mussel can filter between 10 to 15 gallons of water per day.<\/p>\n