Watersheds 2045 Plan Adopted by County Commissioners
February 2024
Photo Credit: Cash Grove, Landscapes3 Photo Contest Submission
On January 24th, the Chester County Commissioners adopted Watersheds 2045 as the County's new integrated water resource plan. In addition to guiding the protection and restoration of our waters over the next two decades, Watersheds 2045 will also serve as the updated County-wide Act 167 Plan, encompassing the County model stormwater ordinance of 2022, and as the County's official Rivers Conservation Plan.
In 2002, Chester County released its original water resources plan, Watersheds, to address issues like stormwater and flooding, pollution mitigation and prevention, recreational access, and sustainable water supplies. Watersheds 2045 continues the original plan's legacy by identifying current and future water concerns while empowering individuals, businesses, non-profits, local governments, and others to help protect our shared water resources.
The development of Watersheds 2045 was a multi-year effort led by the Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA). It involved a thorough review of current conditions in the County's watersheds, including land use, stream health, water availability, and projected future climate and population changes. The process also included robust public engagement through public meetings and surveys, stakeholder listening sessions, and a multidisciplinary 30-member steering committee.
The plan highlights seven County-wide goals to achieve its vision of clean water, healthy habitats, thriving communities, and accessible recreation for all. Those goals are:
- Engage and educate individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to promote scientifically based watershed stewardship
- Expand water-based recreational opportunities and access to local water features
- Conserve and protect the County's natural resources for clean water
- Improve surface water and groundwater quality
- Reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate the impacts of flooding
- Promote the integration of water resources, natural resources protection, and land use planning
- Ensure safe, sustainable water supply and wastewater disposal systems
In order to address variation in needs and opportunities in different parts of the County, the plan also outlines tailored priorities and strategies for each of the County's 21 watersheds.
CCWRA Executive Director, Seung Ah Byun said, "Chester County has an abundance of water resources. It is beholden upon us to protect, sustain and enhance those resources for the coming decades, and through the engagement and support of many partners, we expect Watersheds 2045 will do just that." The plan, executive summary, and appendices, including the county-wide Model Stormwater Ordinance can be found online.