Marple and Upper Providence residents have observed that the flooding has increased in recent years. It is largely caused by the major development that has taken place in the watershed upstream. Runoff from all the paving will increase as numerous new projects in Marple, and especially, Newtown, are completed over the next decade.

CCN members have shared resident concerns about the increasing severity of Crum Creek flooding downstream of the Springton Lake dam with officials at the PA Department of Environmental Protection. They discussed approaching the water company, Aqua PA, with the suggestion that the company increase the release of water from a full or almost full reservoir just prior to storms. This would enable the reservoir to contain the runoff from the anticipated storm, functioning as a flood control device, while still preserving its water storage capacity.

DEP has endorsed our discussing this with Aqua PA. They also pointed out that CCN should encourage strict implementation of the new stormwater management codes by creekside communities.

How CCN members can help:

• Identify sites of flooding of property and/or buildings. Note and report any specific event information, including date and water level. [Contact info below].

• Urge Marple, Upper Providence Township, Swarthmore, Newtown and Nether Providence officials to support and join discussions with Aqua PA.

• Write to Aqua PA about your flooding experiences and request that they consider releasing water from the reservoir in anticipation of heavy rains.

• Inform Newtown Township’s Board of Supervisors and Environmental Advisory Committee of our flooding problems and urge them to require maximum stormwater percolation when reviewing development proposals.