Twin Lakes Watershed
Twin Lakes Watershed
The Twin Lakes watershed is the area of land that drains water into a lake, along with all the water areas that drain toward it. Watersheds can also be called drainage basins, or catchments.
Delaware River Basin Stream Network
The 330 miles that make up the Delaware River constitute the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi River.
The 6,422 square mile area of Pennsylvania that drains into the Delaware River is not only the largest contributor of the basin, but also accounts for half of the basin’s land area and 42 percent of Pennsylvania’s population.
The Twin Lake’s portion of the Stream Network is shown on the map on the right. Ultimately, this sub-network of streams flows to the Delaware River.
What You Can Do
Watershed Protection
REDUCE RUNOFF: Excess runoff can carry sediment, salt, and pollutants during rainstorms. Minimize and slowdown runoff, installing rain barrels or planting a rain garden.
MAINTAIN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM: Septic system failures can be costly and can contaminate both groundwater and the lakes. Have your septic system inspected and pumped every three years, and your fields maintained regularly.
AQUATIC INVASIVES: Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native plants, fish, or pathogens. They can enter our lakes via unwanted fish releases, dumping live bait, or “hitching a ride” on uncleaned boats, canoes, or kayaks.
MINIMIZE FERTILIZER: Nutrients from fertilizer runoff can lead to excess plant and algae growth in Twin Lakes.
SCOOP THE POOP. Pet waste left out in the yard, on sidewalks or on roadsides washes away when it rains and van be a major contributor to bacteria problems in Twin Lakes. Dispose of pet waste properly.
GO NATIVE: Reduce your lawn by adding native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants to your landscape.
PLANT A LAKE BUFFER: If you have lake front or stream property, provide a natural buffer of native trees and shrubs along its banks to help filter polluted runoff, control erosion.
BE WATER WISE: Conserve water by using low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets, repairing leaks, taking shorter showers, and turning off the tap when brushing your teeth. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full, and wash your car and water your lawn only when necessary.
GET INVOLVED: We all live in a watershed, and every drop counts. Do your part by joining your local watershed organization, participating in community clean-ups, and supporting environmental legislation.
This illustration shows how all runoff ends up in our groundwater. Which is the source for our drinking water.
Source: Center for Watershed Protection
Twin Lakes Lake-Friendly Living Guide
To learn more on how you can positively impact our lakes, in your day to day living activities, please click on the Learn More button below.