Volunteer Stream Monitoring

Volunteer StreamKeepers make observations and take photographs of streams on a monthly basis to keep us up to date on the status of our streams. Our Delaware River Watershed Initiative work focuses on the Cobbs Creek watershed, so we can always use more StreamKeepers on Cobbs Creek, Naylors Run, the East and West Branches of Indian Creek, and any other Cobbs Creek tributary. The water from all of our streams ends up in the Delaware River eventually, so information about any stream, regardless of size, is helpful.

Taking photos in the same spot over time can illustrate the way stormwater runoff impacts streams. StreamKeepers track stream bank erosion, riparian plants, and algae cover, while also keeping an eye out for fish kills and pollution. The photos confirm the observations and provide a means for sharing the information with a larger audience.

Email Tom@lmconservancy.org if you have any questions about our StreamWatch program. For more information, read our StreamWatch Manual. Here is the waiver mentioned in the manual.

Numbers to call if you see contaminant spills in streams or suspicious water coming out of pipes during dry weather:

  • Lower Merion Public Works Department – 610-645-6150
  • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Southeast Regional Office emergency number – 484-250-5900
  • On weekends call 911

For more details about the reporting requirements for stream pollution events, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website.