On a Boat: The Hidden Delaware River in Camden

Earlier this month, Environment Jersey staff joined a boat tour hosted by Tri County Sustainability, the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA), and Upstream Alliance to learn about water quality improvements, raw sewage overflows, and the future of recreation along the lower Delaware and Cooper Rivers.

Speakers included Captain Don Baugh from Upstream Alliance, and Tim Feeney and Elle Bivona from CCMUA. During the tour, CCMUA staff discussed wastewater infrastructure in Camden on both the lower Delaware and Cooper Rivers  and ongoing efforts to reduce pollution entering local waterways. They also discussed how combined sewer systems can overflow during heavy rainfall, releasing untreated sewage and stormwater into rivers and limiting when people can safely enjoy the water.

Captain Don Baugh highlighted their work reconnecting Camden residents with their waterways through environmental education and recreation. Its programs include on-the-water learning experiences, kayaking, and the development of the Camden Water Trail, which will expand opportunities for residents to access and explore local rivers. 

An important takeaway was the upcoming Election Day vote on Camden County’s open space tax. Voters will decide whether to increase the tax by one cent per $100 of property value, with the additional funding supporting a proposed 10-year effort to improve waterways and sewer infrastructure. These investments could help reduce sewage pollution while making local rivers more accessible for recreation.

The tour underscored how improving water quality is about more than protecting the environment—it is also about ensuring Camden residents can safely access, learn about, and enjoy the waterways in their own community.