montgomery county today
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soil and enters cracks in the underlying bedrock.
Soil, vegetation, topography, and land use are
all factors that influence the recharge of
groundwater. Soil structure allows percolation
of water at varying rates.
The most visible components of the county’s
hydrology are the numerous rivers, streams, and
creeks that drain the landscape within
watersheds. The major waterways include the
Schuylkill River, Perkiomen Creek, Skippack
Creek, Neshaminy Creeks, Pennypack Creek,
the Wissahickon Creek, and Tookany Creek.
Water quality is impaired by point sources of
pollution such as industrial discharges and waste
water treatment plants and non point sources
which may include urban stormwater, sediment,
and agriculture waste. Currently 48% of the
county’s streams do not attain current water
quality standards set by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection.
FIGURE 43:
Watersheds
An old dam in the Wissahickon Creek is removed to improve
water quality and fish habitat.
A stream can be attractive to people of all ages.
The Ridge Valley Creek flows through Salford Township.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Skippack
Swamp
Pennypack
Upper Perkiomen
Lower Schuylkill
Upper Schuylkill
Lower Perkiomen
Tookany
Upper Wissahickon
Neshaminy
Sandy Run
Little Neshaminy
Stony Creek/Saw Mill Run
Manatawny
Lower Wissahickon
Lower Merion DrainageArea
East Branch of the Perkiomen
Unami/Ridge Valley
Indian Creek
Lower Schuylkill
Upper Schuylkill
Poquessing
Water Bodies
Streams
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