12.7 billion gallons

The amount of raw, diluted sewage Philadelphia discharges into the Delaware River’s watershed each year, according to a new report from PennEnvironment. Combined sewer overflows — when untreated wastewater and storm runoff flood into waterways during heavy rain — can leave local rivers unsafe for recreation up to 195 days a year. Despite the Clean Water Act’s 50-year goal of making waterways safe for swimming and fishing, pollution from Philadelphia and neighboring Camden County continues to limit access and threaten public health.